Sierra Space Careers:
At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.
Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.
Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.
We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.
About the Role
The Sr. RF Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing advanced RF systems and components for space-based applications, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, and RF amplifiers. This role requires specialized expertise in RF engineering, advanced knowledge of electrical and avionics systems architectures, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems. The Sr. RF Engineer will provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development and integration of RF systems, meeting performance and reliability requirements.
In this role, you will design and develop advanced RF systems and components for space-based applications, conducting performance testing and validation of RF systems, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, and RF amplifiers. You will utilize advanced electrical design tools and methodologies to perform complex design tasks and troubleshoot complex problems related to RF systems and components. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will ensure project success and seamless integration of RF systems into larger systems. As a Responsible Engineer (RE), you will own discrete technical packages, ensuring successful execution and delivery. You will provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused environment. Additionally, you will prepare and maintain technical documentation and reports to ensure traceability and compliance with industry standards. Staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends in RF engineering, you will apply this knowledge to drive innovation and enhance system performance in ongoing projects.
About You
Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.
We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +6 yrs experience).
- Typically 8+ years of related experience.
- Specialized expertise in a particular area (e.g., power systems, control systems, EWIS, C&DH, etc.).
- In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards.
- Advanced knowledge of electrical and avionics systems architectures and their design.
- Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems.
- Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision on projects involving both small and large engineering teams.
- Understanding of band-specific trade spaces (e.g., S-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band) for RF components.
- Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
- Knowledge of systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
- Experience performing trade studies to support communication subsystem architecture decisions.
- An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE), driving hardware through its lifecycle, including development, qualification, integration & Test, Verification & Validation, and certification.
- Experience with communications hardware component procurement, including S-band transponders and antennas commonly used in space applications.
- Experience developing RF space communications link budget and coverage analysis.
- Experience handling COMSEC equipment and knowledge of COMSEC requirements.
- Extensive proficiency with RF design and simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, or CST.
- Significant experience with RF measurement equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
- Deep understanding of RF system performance parameters such as gain, noise figure, and linearity.
- Experience with PCB design and layout tools such as Altium Designer or OrCAD.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Experience with advanced RF technologies and their applications in space-based systems.
- Proven track record of managing complex technical projects and delivering successful outcomes.
Compensation:
Pay Range:
$137,443.00 - $188,983.00
Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.
This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Elevate Your Career
At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.
Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.
Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.
