RF Engineer

Job Overview

Airbase builds the software platform for radio frequency spectrum licensing, coordination, and intelligence. Backed by a16z, we are a fast-moving, dual-use startup transforming wireless communication from a static, analog bottleneck into a dynamic, software-defined advantage.

Today, the world’s most advanced hardware-from satellite mega-constellations to Army UAS swarms and Electronic Warfare systems-is grounded by 20th-century paperwork. Spectrum coordination relies on fragmented databases, missing systems of record, and decades of static PDFs. Airbase is fixing this. We’ve built novel AI pipelines to digitize this analog bureaucracy and translate it into a software-defined, machine-readable data layer. We are transforming the spectrum from a static bottleneck into a dynamic advantage, delivering machine-speed tactical deconfliction for the military and automated licensing for commercial innovators.

What you’ll do:

• Architect, design, and implement the RF analysis backend.

• Build a high-fidelity RF modeling and interference engine to simulate and predict spectrum behavior for diverse assets.

• Develop, validate, and integrate RF models for space, airborne, and ground-based communications systems.

• Collaborate with the frontend team to translate complex RF data and insights into actionable product features for users.

• Establish engineering best practices and play a defining role in shaping the early-stage engineering culture and technology stack.

You should have:

• Experience in RF engineering, signal processing, or a related field.

• Expert-level knowledge of RF system-level design, link budget analysis, propagation, and interference modeling techniques.

• Proven experience building and maintaining production-grade backend services (e.g., in Python, Go, or Rust).

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience building RF sensing hardware

• Familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to spectrum analysis or anomaly detection.

• Understanding of regulatory frameworks for spectrum management (e.g., FCC, ITU).

• Prior experience in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.

• Experience with space communications and satellite systems.

You thrive on:

• Taking ownership and navigating shifting priorities in a fast-moving, high-impact environment.

• Moving seamlessly between high-level architecture and hands-on implementation.

Things you’ll say in your first month:

• “Woah, that software is from the 20th century”

• “Hold on, these agencies use completely different units here? And this all happens over email?”

• “This spreadsheet maintained by a guy named Mike is the entire system of record?”

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary, with opportunities for growth, and equity in an early stage startup.

• Comprehensive health insurance plans & 401k.

• Regular team-building events and company retreats.

Airbase is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.