Staff RF Engineer
Apply NowCompany: LeoLabs
Location: Menlo Park, CA 94025
Description:
About Us
LeoLabs enables military space commands, civil government agencies, and commercial operators to confidently detect, track, characterize, and respond to threats in space. Our proliferated, multi-mission radar network, real-time orbital data catalog, and AI-powered analytics support secure, safe, and dynamic space operations.
At LeoLabs, our core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Impact guide everything we do. We foster an environment where bold ideas are encouraged, doing the right thing is fundamental, and our work makes a meaningful difference in safeguarding space and our way of life on Earth. As part of our team, you'll contribute to building the world's most comprehensive living map of orbital activity, designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our era. Together, we are preserving the U.S. and Allied advantage in space, driving the growth of the global economy, and enabling the future of space exploration and innovation.
The Opportunity
At LeoLabs, the Hardware Engineering Team designs, develops, manufactures, and deploys the advanced radar systems that provide persistent orbital intelligence to our customers worldwide. As a Staff RF Engineer, you will contribute to the development of next-generation radar hardware operating at UHF, S-Band, and beyond. This role demands cross-functional collaboration within a high-performing and fast-paced team. Occasional international travel may be required. This role is fully on site at our headquarters in Menlo Park, CA and will report to the Hardware Engineering Manager.
Responsibilities:
Lead development of core RF modules such as receivers, amplifiers, and antennas
Manage RF system requirements, cascade analysis, and link budgets
End-to-end PCB design from schematic capture through layout
Module-level bring up, debug, and test in a laboratory environment
Close collaboration with mechanical and embedded software engineers
Basic Qualifications:
Strong technical background in RF & microwave fundamentals
BSEE (or equivalent) with 10+ years of relevant experience
Ability to lead RF circuit design and PCB layout (Altium or equivalent)
EM simulation expertise for RF structures and antennas (CST, ADS)
Proficiency with RF lab equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, NF meter, etc.)
Proven track record of moving designs from development into production
Preferred Qualifications:
MSEE with a concentration in RF or radar electronics
Power supply design experience
Embedded Software development experience
Strong understanding of DSP concepts and software defined radio architecture
EMI testing, mitigation, and qualification experience
Deep understanding of RF calibration and metrology
Ability to hold a US Security Clearance
Within 1 month, you will:
Complete our onboarding program designed to get you up to speed on our business, vision and team
Gain an understanding about how your role fits into LeoLabs broader organization
Learn about our existing projects and product roadmap
Within 3 months, you will:
Gain an understanding of the team dynamic and project timeframes
Design and prototype a PCB for our next gen radar system
Begin work on a system design for an adjacent market radar architecture
Within 6 months, you will:
Become familiar with existing designs and deployed hardware and conduct field work
Take ownership of a new design and carry it through into the production phase
Within 12 months, you will:
Move multiple projects into the production phase of development
Contribute to new designs on the product roadmap
Contribute significantly to system architecture discussions
Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The base salary range for this position $180,000 - 205,000
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
We do not work with outside staffing agencies
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC's website
LeoLabs enables military space commands, civil government agencies, and commercial operators to confidently detect, track, characterize, and respond to threats in space. Our proliferated, multi-mission radar network, real-time orbital data catalog, and AI-powered analytics support secure, safe, and dynamic space operations.
At LeoLabs, our core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Impact guide everything we do. We foster an environment where bold ideas are encouraged, doing the right thing is fundamental, and our work makes a meaningful difference in safeguarding space and our way of life on Earth. As part of our team, you'll contribute to building the world's most comprehensive living map of orbital activity, designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our era. Together, we are preserving the U.S. and Allied advantage in space, driving the growth of the global economy, and enabling the future of space exploration and innovation.
The Opportunity
At LeoLabs, the Hardware Engineering Team designs, develops, manufactures, and deploys the advanced radar systems that provide persistent orbital intelligence to our customers worldwide. As a Staff RF Engineer, you will contribute to the development of next-generation radar hardware operating at UHF, S-Band, and beyond. This role demands cross-functional collaboration within a high-performing and fast-paced team. Occasional international travel may be required. This role is fully on site at our headquarters in Menlo Park, CA and will report to the Hardware Engineering Manager.
Responsibilities:
Lead development of core RF modules such as receivers, amplifiers, and antennas
Manage RF system requirements, cascade analysis, and link budgets
End-to-end PCB design from schematic capture through layout
Module-level bring up, debug, and test in a laboratory environment
Close collaboration with mechanical and embedded software engineers
Basic Qualifications:
Strong technical background in RF & microwave fundamentals
BSEE (or equivalent) with 10+ years of relevant experience
Ability to lead RF circuit design and PCB layout (Altium or equivalent)
EM simulation expertise for RF structures and antennas (CST, ADS)
Proficiency with RF lab equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, NF meter, etc.)
Proven track record of moving designs from development into production
Preferred Qualifications:
MSEE with a concentration in RF or radar electronics
Power supply design experience
Embedded Software development experience
Strong understanding of DSP concepts and software defined radio architecture
EMI testing, mitigation, and qualification experience
Deep understanding of RF calibration and metrology
Ability to hold a US Security Clearance
Within 1 month, you will:
Complete our onboarding program designed to get you up to speed on our business, vision and team
Gain an understanding about how your role fits into LeoLabs broader organization
Learn about our existing projects and product roadmap
Within 3 months, you will:
Gain an understanding of the team dynamic and project timeframes
Design and prototype a PCB for our next gen radar system
Begin work on a system design for an adjacent market radar architecture
Within 6 months, you will:
Become familiar with existing designs and deployed hardware and conduct field work
Take ownership of a new design and carry it through into the production phase
Within 12 months, you will:
Move multiple projects into the production phase of development
Contribute to new designs on the product roadmap
Contribute significantly to system architecture discussions
Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The base salary range for this position $180,000 - 205,000
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
We do not work with outside staffing agencies
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC's website