Staff RF Design Engineer

Job description

About Us Array Labs builds advanced radar systems to help humanity understand and respond to changes across the physical world.    We're launching a coordinated fleet of radar satellites to create a high-resolution 3D map of the Earth, updated in real time, enabling faster, smarter decision-making for government and commercial organizations supporting disaster response, infrastructure resilience, and mission-critical geopolitical intelligence.   We design and build our satellites end-to-end, producing the world's most advanced earth observation satellites. Our fleet will deliver unprecedented levels of accuracy, coverage, and responsiveness to power critical insights precisely where they're needed most. About the Job As a Staff RF Design Engineer, you will design and validate the RF electronics that enable Array’s radar sensors. Your work will include low-noise receive chains, high-power transmit chains, RF switching and protection, bias and control circuitry, and integration of transceiver and timing-critical RF subsystems.   You will take hardware from schematic design through prototyping, bring-up, characterization, and qualification, working closely with antenna, mixed-signal, mechanical, and systems engineers. The RF hardware you develop will directly impact signal quality, sensitivity, output power, stability, and overall on-orbit performance. Responsibilities Develop advanced RF electronic subsystems, from architecture to manufacturing Work closely with RF systems, antenna, mixed-signal, mechanical, firmware, and test engineers to design and validate state-of-the-art radar sensor hardware Own RF subsystem definition and design trade studies, balancing noise figure, linearity, output power, stability, spurious performance, and power consumption Select components, capture schematics, and design complex RF assemblies including receive and transmit chains, switching networks, filtering, and protection circuitry Lead prototyping, hardware bring-up, debug, characterization, and test campaigns for RF electronics Rapidly iterate on and improve RF designs based on laboratory and environmental testing Provide technical leadership through design reviews, risk reduction planning, and mentorship of other engineers Basic Qualifications B.S. in Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 4-7 years of relevant experience Experience in electronics design, bring-up, and test Excellent teamwork and communication skills Learns new concepts rapidly, completely, and in a self-directed manner High levels of self-motivation and personal accountability Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under significant time constraints Preferred Skills & Experience Master’s degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field Strong background in electromagnetic theory and RF fundamentals such as S-parameters, transmission lines, stability analysis, and impedance matching Hands-on experience designing high-performance RF hardware including LNAs, PAs/driver chains, mixers, switches, filters, couplers, and protection circuitry Experience with frequency synthesis and timing-critical RF subsystems including PLLs, VCOs, references, and low-jitter clock distribution Experience with RF modeling, simulation, and analysis tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, and/or HFSS Experience with schematic capture and design using CAD tools such as Altium Designer (preferred); experience with Allegro and/or OrCAD is a plus Hands-on experience with RF test and characterization equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and phase noise measurement Experience with EMC requirements and EMI mitigation techniques in mixed-signal and RF systems Experience taking RF hardware from prototype through qualification and environmental testing, including working with manufacturing partners and test teams Compensation & Benefits Our hiring and compensation strategy is simple: We offer competitive salaries and meaningful equity. We want everyone here to have real ownership in what we're building. Full-time employees also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including the following:    Health & Wellness Medical, dental, and vision insurance (including a fully employer-paid medical plan) Paid parental leave (12 weeks / 6 weeks) Time Off 19 paid vacation days, 10 sick days, 11 company holidays Financial 401(k) with employer match (100% match up to 3%, 50% match up to 5%) Commuter expenses (parking & transit) Perks & Lifestyle Daily lunch stipend; Audible subscription; Claude Pro access; relocation support Hybrid work options & flexibility We reserve the right to modify base pay and other compensation components. More details about our benefits are available to candidates during the hiring process.   Interview Process We will conduct interviews via Google Meet, with the potential for an onsite visit to our office in Redwood City, CA. The typical interview process takes around 3 to 5 weeks.   Why Join Array At Array Labs, deep technical expertise meets relentless impact. We prioritize curiosity over hierarchy and bold ideas over incremental gains. Our world-class team across hardware engineering, software, and aerospace works collaboratively to push boundaries. Join industry-leading experts to build the future of radar and deliver unprecedented insights into the physical world.   ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.   Equal Opportunity Employer Array Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of merit, competence, and job qualifications without regard to gender, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.   If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at accessibility@arraylabs.io.