Own RF test strategy, automation infrastructure, and system-level validation for spacecraft and ground communication systems. Develop Python-based test automation, fixtures, procedures, and data-analysis tools; operate RF laboratory equipment; characterize waveforms and wireless links; troubleshoot hardware and software; and validate GNSS receivers, radios, antennas, and other RF components through production, environmental, coexistence, desense, beamforming, and OTA testing.
As a Senior RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own RF test strategy, automation infrastructure, and system-level validation for wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to define test requirements, develop scalable validation infrastructure, and drive reliability across a wide range of RF hardware.
This role is focused on RF test architecture, automation, production validation, and characterization of wireless communication systems including GNSS receivers, radios, antennas, and modulated communication waveforms.
This role is focused on RF test architecture, automation, production validation, and characterization of wireless communication systems including GNSS receivers, radios, antennas, and modulated communication waveforms.
Responsibilities
- Define RF test requirements and acceptance criteria for engineering, integration, and production environments
- Lead the design and development of RF test fixtures and automated test systems
- Develop scalable Python-based automation tools for RF testing, instrumentation control, and data analysis
- Characterize and debug modulated RF waveforms and wireless communication links
- Operate and integrate RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and software defined radios
- Lead RF hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, and system-level validation efforts
- Conduct RF system-level testing including coexistence (CoEx), desense, beamforming, and over-the-air (OTA) testing
- Test and validate RF hardware including GNSS receivers, radios, antennas, filters, amplifiers, and other RF components
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
- 5+ years of experience writing Python for RF test systems, automation infrastructure, or wireless hardware validation environments
- Experience working with RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, GNSS simulators, and SDR platforms
- Experience with RF system measurements such as channel power, EVM, modulation quality, Es/N0, C/N0, bandwidth, and receiver sensitivity
- Experience developing and documenting RF test procedures for engineering or production environments
- Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across RF hardware and software systems
- Comfortable working hands-on in lab and integration environments
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 2+ years of experience developing scalable production or manufacturing RF test systems
- 2+ years of experience with SDR platforms, GNU Radio, or custom waveform development
- 2+ years of experience with beamforming, phased arrays, or multi-antenna RF systems
- Familiarity with embedded Linux
- Experience with RF environmental, vacuum, thermal, vibration, or OTA testing
- Experience leading cross-functional integration and validation efforts
- Experience working in a fast-paced hardware development environment
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.
Impulse Space El Segundo, California, USA Office
El Segundo, CA, United States, 90245
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