RF Engineer - Internship

Job description

Advanced Reentry Technologies Who We Are: Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions. The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry. Position Overview: As an RF Engineering Intern , you will support the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion’s next-generation re-entry vehicles. You will sit within the Avionics team and work closely with engineers on hands-on RF testing, antenna and GPS integration, communications system validation, and ground station compatibility efforts, helping take systems from benchtop validation through integrated hardware testing and mission-readiness verification. You will be a member of the Avionics team, supporting the development, test, integration, and troubleshooting of critical communications hardware and systems for cutting-edge maneuverable reentry vehicles. This is a practical, lab-heavy internship for students interested in spacecraft communications, telemetry, antennas, and RF system integration in a fast-paced aerospace environment. Key Responsibilities: Work closely with RF engineers and cross-functional teammates to build practical understanding of how aerospace RF and telemetry systems are developed, tested, integrated, and prepared for flight applications. Perform component-, subsystem-, and system-level RF test and measurement activities using standard laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters. Support over-the-air and antenna test activities, including range setup and validation, as needed. Support GPS testing and integration for the Arc vehicle. Support ground station compatibility testing, including potential travel to test sites. Help test and evaluate in-house RF hardware, including SDR-based systems. Collect, process, and document RF test data and support generation of test reports and summaries. Assist with test automation and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools. Required Qualifications: Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an engineering, physics or math discipline. GPA of 3.0 or above. 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable). Coursework or project experience in RF, antennas, electromagnetics, or communications systems. Strong problem-solving, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results clearly to multidisciplinary teams. Desired Qualifications: Hands-on familiarity with RF lab equipment such as a spectrum analyzer or VNA. Experience with Altium, HFSS, or similar RF/PCB design tools. Completed an RF or antenna course. Experience designing a circuit board. Experience designing a simple microwave antenna or filter. Hands-on experience through Formula SAE, student rocketry, CubeSat, robotics, or similar engineering projects. Previous internship experience at a space, aerospace, or hardware startup. Experience with Python or MATLAB for test automation or data analysis. Experience with antenna test methods. Familiarity with S-band and L-band communication or telemetry systems. Familiarity with S-parameters and their use in evaluating RF component and system performance. Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in-office presence. The California annual base hourly rate for this role is currently $38-$41. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. ITAR Compliance: 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. Learn more about the ITAR here . Equal Employment Opportunity: Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. 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