Engineering Manager, RF Hardware

Job description

Hubble Network was founded with the intention of delivering on the promise of what Internet-of-Things (IoT) was supposed to be. We're building a global Bluetooth® network dedicated to machine-to-machine connectivity. We differentiate ourselves as the first modem-less and gateway-less, direct-to-satellite network from off-the-shelf Bluetooth® Low Energy chips. Hubble is ideal for applications in logistics, AgTech, and maritime where economies of scale for volume consumer and enterprise asset tracking is a priority. Our goal is to be the first billion-endpoint-connected network in the world. Hubble is an early-stage, venture-backed startup supported by some of the best investors in the world. In their previous lives, the founding team has been successful in raising $100s of millions in venture funding, developing the Amazon Sidewalk network, launching billions of dollars of space assets, and leading their teams to successful exits, both through acquisition and IPO. We are now looking to bring on talented team members who are the best at what they do to help us make Hubble a reality for the world. This is a hybrid, full-time position based in Seattle, WA. ABOUT THE ROLE We're looking for an Engineering Manager, RF Hardware to lead the design and volume production of Hubble's radio payloads — the RF hardware that flies on our satellites and decodes Bluetooth signals from Earth. This is a player-coach role: you'll bring senior-level RF hardware expertise — RF PCB design, high-frequency circuit design, and payload bring-up — while managing and growing the team of RF and hardware design engineers responsible for taking flight payloads from definition to scale production to support the buildout of the Hubble satellite constellation. You'll bring senior-level RF hardware expertise while owning the transition from architecture and design of high-frequency RF PCBs to reliable, repeatable, high-volume manufacturing of flight hardware at the cadence the constellation buildout demands. That means establishing the manufacturing, test, validation, and quality-control processes and managing the vendor and contract-manufacturer relationships necessary to scale space hardware reliably. You'll work closely with cross-functional wireless systems, digital design, firmware, space systems, and operations teams to deliver manufacturable, mission-ready RF hardware at scale. AN IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS A Sense of Urgency : Lead projects from concept to reality, rapidly and effectively First Principles Engineering : Have a strong understanding of the whys behind the "what's"; have the ability to extrapolate from first principles to complex system design High Learning Agility : Love to learn; have a grounded approach to recognizing your weaknesses and take the initiative to brush up on and sharpen your engineering foundations to better collaborate with your teammates with different backgrounds System-Level Design and Analysis : Understand the requirements flow down process and be able to quickly iterate on evolving requirements Excellent Communication Skills : Effectively convey ideas and communicate technical topics with engineering, build staff, and operations; run self-directed design reviews and participate in reviews of parallel systems Anticipation of Needs : Identify problems, think creatively, and rapidly produce reliable and cost-effective solutions to meet the ever growing and changing needs of an early-stage company BASIC QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree (Master's preferred) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline 10+ years of experience in RF/hardware design, including 2+ years leading or managing engineering teams Expertise in PCB design and layout of high-frequency RF components such as transmission lines, co-planar waveguides, Wireless SoCs, matching networks, LNAs, mixers, and power amplifiers Strong understanding of RF design principles, including impedance matching, signal integrity, power amplifiers, mixers, filters, and oscillators Experience taking RF hardware from prototype to volume production, including manufacturing, test, validation, and quality control Experience establishing quality-control, test, and reliability processes required to scale hardware — ideally space or other high-reliability hardware Experience managing vendors, contract manufacturers, and suppliers to scale hardware production Experience with PCB schematic and layout tools (Altium experience highly preferred) Experience in embedded board-level design (microcontrollers, SoCs, power management, sensors, I/O) and digital or mixed-signal design (processors, FPGAs, operational amplifiers, filters) Hands-on experience in bring-up, tuning, debugging, and testing of RF systems using oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams: setting direction, mentoring engineers, running design reviews, and delivering against evolving requirements Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment STRONGLY DESIRED Prior experience managing RF or hardware design teams, or hardware production/manufacturing teams Experience in the design of RF systems for space or aerospace applications Spacecraft or satellite design expertise (payload or bus), including flight-hardware integration and test Knowledge of NASA and MIL-spec requirements for space and high-reliability hardware (e.g., MIL-STD-810/883, NASA workmanship standards such as IPC/NASA J-STD-001ES) Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., FCC, CE) Embedded C/C++ familiarity and development experience with ARM microcontrollers or similar platforms Experience working with drivers for various communication protocols (especially USB, SPI, I2C, and UART) and system-level integration Experience with wireless IoT network protocols (BLE, Zigbee, etc.) COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 💰 Salary: $200,000 - $258,000 (commensurate with experience) 🩺 Comprehensive Benefits – Health, Dental, Vision, & HSA options 📈 Equity – Competitive stock option grant commensurate with experience and level 🌍 Unlimited PTO 🚇 Commuter Benefits (if working from a Hubble Network office) 💪 Health & Wellness Stipend 🌎 Sabbatical Program – Recharge and explore new ideas 🛠 Cutting-Edge Space Tech – Work on state-of-the-art satellite system The posted compensation range reflects multiple levels within Hubble Network's Talent architecture. Final level placement and corresponding compensation will be determined through the interview and assessment process, taking into consideration factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and geographical location. ITAR REQUIREMENTS Hubble is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (“green card holders”) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15). More information on ITAR can be found here . Hubble is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Salary $200,000 — $258,000 USD