RF Integration & Test Engineer

Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We're doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online.

As a team, we’ve launched two satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.

Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!

RF Integration & Test Engineer

As a payload-focused electrical integration engineer at Astranis, you will be responsible for developing, designing, and implementing tests and test systems for all the custom Radio Frequency (RF) communications electronics that make up the payload on our satellites. You'll prove that our suite of RF hardware designs work across environments to guarantee success on orbit. This is done by working with our RF and electrical design teams to gather requirements, write software, and then implement it to be run on our satellites before they’re launched.

Role

• Develop and maintain automation software in Python that interacts with RF test equipment and flight RF hardware: frequency converters, RF amplifiers, oscillators, software defined radios, data converters, and antennas.
• Responsible for the development, execution, and documentation of system verification tests on flight and flight-representative satellite communications hardware.
• Develop electrical test plans and procedures based on concepts and designs to verify as-built flight hardware and spacecraft.
• Design and build electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) for testing.
• Incorporate our tests into reusable automated test architectures.
• Evaluate non-conformances to determine root cause, create actionable items, and system improvements.
• Collaborate with engineers from many disciplines to optimize proposed designs for integration, testing, and manufacturability.
• Create, maintain and communicate detailed schedules, ensuring the team is aware of tasks and deadlines, including resource identification and acquisition.
• Design and create representative RF hardware testbeds + simulators to support software development and system validation.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and training additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience taking measurements on RF and mixed signal devices with standard test equipment: signal generators, spectrum analyzers, Vector Network Analyzers (VNA’s), power sensors, RF switches, attenuators, filters, and oscilloscopes.
• 2+ years of professional experience in system-level design and testing of electrical hardware systems.
• Experience with Python or other high-level scripting languages
• Strong electrical systems engineering intuition and critical thinking.
• Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.).
• Ability to accurately estimate complexity and duration of testing.
• Experience developing test plans and test procedures from requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong communication skills.
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and team focus with extensive multitasking and organizational experience.
• Must be onsite 5 days a week
• Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.

Bonus

• Master's or PhD in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with low level software development languages.
• Experience calibrating RF testing equipment.
• Experience developing communications satellite payloads.
• Software development experience with Hardware Test Framework (HTF) or similar.
• Familiarity with qualification of RF hardware for space: environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, burn-in, and TVAC.
• Previous experience delivering a hardware system or sub-system through the engineering lifecycle.
• Experience automating tests, test equipment, and measurement techniques.
• Experience with designing and building electrical harnesses and connectors.
• Experience designing PCBs using Altium or similar.

What we offer:

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Salary

$115,000—$150,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.