RF Engineer III

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As a RF Engineer III, you'll be responsible for designing satellite wireless communication systems, overseeing the process from initial concept through to detailed design, prototype validation, and final product delivery. This role will support a range of product bands, including UHF, VHF, L, S, X, and Ka. The RF solutions developed will include transmitters (TX), receivers (RX), modems (radios), RF power amplifiers, filters, and transmission lines.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Leads RF System Architecture & Design: Drive end-to-end design of RF subsystems, including requirements definition, hardware architecture, component selection, and modeling across multiple bands and configurations.
• Validates and Optimizes RF Performance: Simulate, test, and fine-tune circuit performance to meet stringent system requirements using tools like AWR, ADS, and lab-based test equipment.
• Performs Root Cause and Signal Integrity Analysis: Conduct in-depth analysis and debugging to identify and resolve performance issues across RF subsystems and interfaces.
• Guides Advanced RF PCB Layout and Integration: Oversee critical RF board design aspects including layout optimization, grounding, impedance matching, and signal isolation.
• Develops Detailed RF Design Documentation: Generate technical documents such as design specifications, tolerance analysis reports, simulation outputs, and production release packages.
• Drives Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Collaborate with digital design, mechanical, firmware, and systems teams to ensure RF compatibility and holistic system performance.
• Supports Technical Growth and Knowledge Transfer: Share expertise in RF design and test practices with peers, contributing to the development of internal best practices and engineering tools.

• RF Design & Simulation: Expert in designing and implementing TX/RX systems, modems, amplifiers, and filters, with proficiency in RF modeling tools like AWR, ADS, and HFSS for simulating waveforms and signal chains.

• Simulation, Modeling & Test: Proficient in RF simulation tools (AWR, ADS, HFSS) and advanced test equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, channel emulators) to validate waveform integrity and signal chains.

• System Integration & Layout Oversight: Skilled in system-level RF integration and guiding PCB layout to ensure signal integrity, and align with mechanical and digital design requirements.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline required.
• 7 or more years of relevant RF engineering experience, preferably in satellite or aerospace applications.
• Hands-on experience across UHF, VHF, L, S, X, and Ka bands and with spaceborne RF system design.
• Proficient with modems, LNAs, PAs, filters, antennas, and associated design and test tools.
• Strong command of RF simulation and schematic tools (e.g., OrCAD, Altium, AWR, ADS, HFSS).
• Familiarity with digital interfaces such as SPI, I2C, Ethernet, PCIe as they relate to RF systems.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $145,000 to $165,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.
To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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