Principal RF Engineer

Why LeoLabs? At LeoLabs, we’re building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions. We’re not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space. As orbital activity accelerates and threats grow more complex, LeoLabs is a trusted partner for Space Domain Awareness, Space Traffic Management, and Satellite Operations for top-tier space operators and allied defense organizations. If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here. As a Principal RF Engineer, you will lead the development of the RF electronics that define the performance of our next-generation radar systems. You will own the most challenging RF design problems across multiple programs, from architecture and requirements through design, validation, and production. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving difficult problems, mentoring other engineers, and delivering robust hardware that performs in demanding environments.  You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, embedded software, manufacturing, and systems engineers to develop high-performance radar hardware from concept through deployment. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Menlo Park, California. Occasional travel may be required to support hardware integration and field activities.  You will be responsible for:  Lead the architecture and development of RF subsystems for next-generation radar platforms  Design and analyze RF circuits including receivers, transmitters, amplifiers, filters, frequency synthesis, and antenna interfaces  Develop system-level RF budgets, cascade analyses, and performance models  Drive RF PCB design from schematic capture through layout, bring-up, validation, and production release  Perform laboratory characterization, debugging, calibration, and performance optimization using modern RF test equipment  Work closely with electrical, mechanical, embedded software, and manufacturing engineers to integrate RF hardware into complete radar systems  Conduct technical design reviews and provide mentorship to other RF engineers  Evaluate technical tradeoffs and help define the RF architecture for future radar platforms  Support manufacturing, field deployments, and root-cause investigations as products transition into production   Qualifications  Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline  12+ years of experience designing RF and microwave electronics  Deep understanding of RF system design, microwave circuit theory, and radar fundamentals  Demonstrated experience designing complex RF PCBAs from concept through production  Proficiency with Altium Designer or equivalent PCB design software  Experience with RF simulation tools such as ADS and CST  Strong laboratory skills using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and related RF instrumentation  Experience developing engineering tools and automation using Python  Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. personnel security clearance   Preferred Qualifications  Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in RF or microwave engineering  Experience designing radar, aerospace, communications, or defense electronics  Experience with phased arrays, antenna design, or beamforming systems  Experience with RF calibration, metrology, and EMI/EMC mitigation  Familiarity with PLM systems such as Arena  Experience leading technical teams and mentoring engineers    Within 1 month, you’ll:  Complete onboarding and become familiar with LeoLabs' radar architecture, development process, and RF design environment  Build an understanding of current hardware programs and future product roadmap  Begin contributing to ongoing RF design efforts and technical discussions   Within 3 months, you’ll:  Take ownership of a major RF subsystem under active development  Lead RF design reviews and guide key architectural decisions  Drive laboratory validation and performance optimization of prototype hardware   Within 6 months, you’ll:  Own the RF development of a next-generation radar subsystem from design through prototype validation  Establish yourself as the technical authority for complex RF design challenges  Mentor engineers across the RF & Electrical Engineering Team   Within 12 months, you’ll:  Deliver multiple RF designs into production  Shape the RF architecture for future radar platforms  Be recognized as a technical leader whose decisions influence hardware development across the organization  Compensation   Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The base salary range for this position $260,000 + bonus + stock options + benefits    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.    ITAR Requirements  To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC’s website