RF Engineer, Avionics Seen this week

About Cowboy Space

Cowboy Space Corp. is building infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our Low Earth Orbit satellites collect sunlight and transmit energy and data via infrared lasers, enabling on-orbit compute, secure high-bandwidth optical communications, and space-to-earth and space-to-space energy delivery. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood) and backed by leading investors, we are solving complex technical challenges and building a new category of space infrastructure.

The Role

The Avionics Team is seeking an RF Engineer to design, develop, and validate RF hardware enabling communication, telemetry, command and control, and high-bandwidth data transport across spacecraft platforms. You will work at the board level, partnering closely with electrical, PCB layout, firmware, and test engineers to deliver high-performance RF subsystems capable of reliable space operation. You own RF circuitry from architecture through flight qualification.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF and microwave circuits for spacecraft communication, telemetry, tracking, and data transmission systems
• Architect and implement board-level RF hardware including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, oscillators, and frequency conversion chains
• Design and characterize high-speed digital signal paths (SerDes lanes, 25+ Gbps) including signal conditioning, switching, and equalization hardware
• Perform RF schematic capture, component selection, simulation, and analysis; characterize RF switches, variable attenuators, and amplifiers across the signal chain
• Partner with PCB layout engineers to optimize RF and high-speed board layouts: stackup selection, controlled impedance routing, coplanar waveguide structures, antipad geometry, and connector launch optimization
• Run 3D EM simulations in HFSS or CST for connector-to-microstrip transitions, via structures, and discontinuity characterization; drive optimizer workflows to meet return loss and insertion loss targets
• Extract and validate S-parameters via simulation and measurement; work with Touchstone files across simulation, schematic, and measurement environments
• Develop and execute board-level validation and characterization plans using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BERTs
• Perform RF and signal integrity bring-up, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis on prototype and production hardware
• Support environmental testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, and radiation qualification activities
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define RF and signal integrity requirements and interface specifications
• Drive hardware designs from concept through manufacturing, integration, and flight deployment; script and automate simulation and EDB workflows (Python/PyAEDT)

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing RF or microwave hardware at the board level
• Experience with RF simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, AWR Microwave Office, CST, or similar
• Hands-on experience with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: impedance matching, transmission lines, S-parameters, noise figure, gain, linearity, and frequency synthesis
• Familiarity with high-speed PCB design: controlled impedance, differential signaling, stackup selection, and signal integrity trade-offs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Experience developing RF or high-speed hardware for aerospace, satellite, defense, or high-reliability applications
• Experience with high-frequency communications systems including S-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, or optical communications support electronics
• Experience designing solderless or press-fit connector launches and optimizing transition geometry for return loss at mmWave frequencies
• Experience scripting HFSS or EDB workflows in Python (PyAEDT, pyEDB) for simulation automation and layout-driven EM extraction
• Familiarity with high-speed SerDes signal chains including RF switches, variable attenuators, DC block design, and bias tee integration
• Experience with RF PCB layout: CPW routing, antipad sizing, via stitching, coplanar ground pours, and layer-to-layer transition design
• Experience with EMI/EMC design and qualification testing
• Familiarity with radiation-tolerant electronics and spaceflight hardware requirements
• Experience working in fast-paced startup environments

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $128,000 - $175,000 annually
• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and fully stocked kitchen

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.