RF Systems Engineer

Wanna join the adventure?

Loft Orbital is making space simple. We build and operate reliable, shareable satellites that give customers a faster, simpler path to orbit. By combining flight-proven spacecraft platforms with our own hardware and software, we make it easier to deploy missions in space.

As an RFSystems Engineer, you'll contribute to the design, development, and integration of communication systems across our satellite connectivity and next-generation RFpayload programs. You'll work on RFsystem architecture, signal processing algorithms, and performance analysis, collaborating closely with FPGA, embedded software, systems, and hardware engineers to develop and integrate complex RFtechnologies.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of RFhardware and signal processing, solving challenging technical problems, and seeing their work go from initial design to in-orbit operation.

About this Role:

• Contribute to the design and development of RFsystems for satellite connectivity and payload applications, including architecture, requirements, and technical trade-offs.
• Perform RFlink budget analysis and evaluate subsystem performance across S-band, X-band, and inter-satellite link (ISL) applications.
• Develop and optimize signal processing algorithms for RFpayloads using MATLABand related simulation tools.
• Support RFpayload development across the signal chain, from antennas and RFfrontends to ADCs and SDRsystems, including signal detection and geolocation.
• Collaborate with FPGA, embedded software, and systems teams to translate RFrequirements into implementable solutions and integrate signal processing algorithms.
• Define and track system requirements, documenting technical decisions, integration activities, and verification results.
• Support RFtesting, hardware integration, troubleshooting, and performance verification through AIT and in-orbit commissioning.
• Work across engineering and AIT teams to drive successful development and integration of RFsystems and payloads.

Must Haves:

• 2+ years of experience in Radio Frequency (RF) systems engineering, subsystem integration, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience with RFsystem integration, debugging, testing, and performance analysis.
• Experience with signal processing algorithms, including the ability to model, analyze, or evaluate RFsignal processing approaches.
• Knowledge of RFcommunication systems and subsystems, particularly S-band and X-band communications.
• Experience with RFlink budget calculations and RFsystem-level performance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with RFhardware, test equipment, and subsystem validation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive technical activities and collaborate across system and software integration efforts.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) architectures and development.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based signal processing, including experience working with FPGAteams to implement digital signal processing algorithms or IP blocks.
• Knowledge of key SDRcomponents and technologies, including channelizers, analog-to-digital converters (ADC), and digital-to-analog converters (DAC).
• Experience using MATLABfor signal processing, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Experience translating system-level RFand signal processing requirements into FPGAor embedded software implementation requirements.
• Experience with antenna systems, RFfrontends, and RFpayload architecture.
• Familiarity with RFgeolocation, signal detection, spectrum analysis, or SIGINT-related applications.
• Experience with RFtesting, integration, and performance verification in an aerospace or satellite environment.

Some of Our Awesome Benefits:

• Equity, we want you to have an active role in our success
• Up to 35 days of Paid Time Off (vacations & RTT ) and flexible working hours, we want you to be at your best
• Health and life insurance, we care about your health
• Lunch Vouchers, because let’s be honest, we love food! (we even have a slack channel about it #loft-gourmand)
• Cross-office travel opportunities between San Francisco, Colorado, and Toulouse to learn from our differences
• Company and team off-sites and many other events to work & celebrate together
• Relocation assistance to Toulouse when applicable