RF Systems Architect
Austin, TX - USA
Job Summary
CesiumAstro is seekingan RFSystems Architect to lead the definition and development of next-generation ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) RF payloads with emphasis on radar systems RF sensing and wideband signal collection.
This role is highly strategic and technical focused on end-to-end RF payload architecturefrom antenna and front-end design through system-level performance signal processing considerations and mission integration. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep experience in phased array systems wideband RF architectures and space-based sensing payloads.
- Define and lead system architecture for advanced ISR RF payloads including radar and RF sensing systems for space and airborne platforms.
- Translate mission objectives into end-to-end RF payload architectures including antenna systems RF front-end digitization and downstream processing.
- Drive architectural trade studies across performance SWaP scalability and mission constraints.
- Lead concept development for wideband multi-beam and multi-function RF payloads including electronically steered arrays and digital beamforming systems.
- Partner with business development to shape technical strategy support proposals and secure new program opportunities.
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF payload architecture supporting internal reviews and customer engagements.
- Guide cross-functional teams through architecture definition prototyping and system validation.
- Stay at the forefront of emerging ISR radar and RF sensing technologies and incorporate advancements into product roadmaps.
- Mentor engineers and establish best practices in RF system architecture and payload development.
- Communicate complex technical concepts architectures and trade-offs to internal stakeholders and external customers.
- Masters degree in Electrical Engineering Physics or a related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
- 15 years of professional experience in RF engineering radar systems or RF sensing technologies.
- Demonstrated expertise in RF system design fundamentals including link budgets noise analysis and RF propagation.
- Strong technical background in phased array antennas beamforming techniques and wideband RF systems.
- Experience working with RF hardware components such as antennas LNAs mixers ADCs/DACs and frequency conversion chains.
- Proficiency with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB ADS HFSS CST or similar).
- Solid understanding of radar principles and/or signal processing techniques relevant to RF sensing applications.
- Experience in aerospace defense or space-based systems environments.
- Demonstrated technical leadership experience or progression into senior/architect-level roles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex engineering environments.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration.
- Experience contributing to or leading successful program captures and technical strategy.
- Demonstrated innovation including patents or novel RF/antenna system developments.
- Experience in fast-paced startup or advanced development environments.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
About Company
CesiumAstro builds high-throughput, software-defined phased array communication payloads for airborne and in-orbit platforms.