Job Description
Job Description About the Company
This aerospace startup is revolutionizing the skies by developing high-altitude, solar-powered UAVs designed for real-time next-gen communication capabilities. With ambitions to surpass traditional satellite and ground-based technologies, the team is pioneering a new era of connectivity - one that will redefine global communications and access for underserved regions.
Their vision is to become a trailblazer in solar-powered aviation, reshaping the future of autonomous UAVs and setting a new standard for how the world connects from above.
This company has a powerhouse team and the network/tech to surpass competitors.
About the Role
Somebody has to turn link budgets into a radio that actually closes the link from the stratosphere to a phone in someone's pocket. Thank you.
You'll own the communications payload's RF signal chain from the digital interface to the antenna port. You'll set the architecture, pick the parts, design the hardware and bring it up on your own bench. It's the rare role where the whiteboard math and the soldering iron belong to the same person.
What You’ll Own
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The signal chain. Defining the end-to-end RF path and making sure link budgets and coverage goals hold up.
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The parts that matter. Evaluating and selecting PAs, LNAs, ADCs/DACs, mixers and filters, and working directly with chipset and semiconductor vendors to find silicon that fits some very unusual constraints.
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The hardware. Schematic capture, layout oversight, and bring-up of custom radio boards.
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The proof. Bench characterization (linearity, noise figure, compression) and validation against system specs.
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The interfaces. Partnering with digital engineering on data converters and with the antenna lead and design partner on matching and integration.
What We're Looking For
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Deep experience designing and debugging RF transmit and receive chains (direct conversion or superheterodyne)
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Strong command of data converters, sampling theory, and PA/LNA linearization
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Real bench skills: you solder, tune and debug with signal generators, spectrum analyzers and scopes
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Link budgeting, cascade analysis (gain, NF, IP3) and frequency planning for cellular or satellite systems
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Familiarity with LTE, 5G NR or DVB-S2
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Comfort building early-stage prototypes when the path isn't fully mapped yet
Don't check every box? Apply anyway. Great RF engineers come from satellites, cellular, radar, defense and plenty of places in between, and the team is open to all of them.
Logistics
Full-time and on-site at the Bay Area headquarters.
What Success Looks Like
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A radio architecture the whole team understands and trusts
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Custom RF hardware brought up on the bench and hitting spec
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A payload ready to fly
Benefits Why You’ll Love Working Here
Join a powerhouse team of brilliant builders
Work with a small, seriously technical crew led by people with a star-studded history of Silicon Valley wins.
Competitive startup salary
Be paid well to do the most energizing work of your career.
Ground-floor equity
Own meaningful upside from day one. This is your chance to shape the company’s trajectory and participate fully in the value you help create.
Excellent health insurance
Enjoy strong medical coverage for employees so you can stay healthy while pushing boundaries.
Dog-friendly office with Bay views
Bring your pup and enjoy a beautiful workspace with panoramic water views that spark creativity and joy.
About AdAstra
AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.
At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.
We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.
Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!
CEO, Seyka Mejeur | LinkedIn profile
CTO, Brian Mejeur | LinkedIn profile
AdAstra Talent Advisors | LinkedIn profile
AdAstra Website
Our client is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.