Onsite
Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
We are seeking an RF Test Engineer to support development, integration, and validation of spacecraft communication and RF systems. This role will focus heavily on flatsat and communications rack testing, RF subsystem characterization, automated test development, and environmental test campaigns. You’ll work closely with RF, avionics, software, and integration teams to validate hardware performance from component-level bring-up through spacecraft-level environmental testing. This is a highly hands-on role requiring strong RF fundamentals, comfort operating advanced lab equipment, and the ability to troubleshoot complex integrated systems in fast-moving development environments.
Responsibilities:
Develop and execute RF test plans for spacecraft communication systems and RF hardware
Support flatsat and communications rack integration, bring-up, and debugging
Characterize and validate RF components including:
Antennas
Radios and transceivers
GNSS systems
Power amplifiers (PAs)
Low-noise amplifiers (LNAs)
Couplers and power dividers
RF switches
Radar subsystems (nice to have)
Operate and automate RF test equipment including:
Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)
Spectrum / Vector Signal Analyzers
Vector Signal Generators
Signal generators
Network analyzers
USRP and SDR-based systems
Execute near-field antenna measurements and RF characterization testing
Support spacecraft environmental test campaigns including:
EMI/EMC
Vibration
Thermal cycling
TVAC
Support RF validation in thermal vacuum environments, including understanding of effects such as corona discharge and multipactor risk
Develop Python-based automation tools for data collection, test execution, and analysis
Analyze RF system performance metrics including:
SNR
BER
EVM
PLL behavior
Insertion loss
Scattering parameters (S-parameters)
Support link budget verification and end-to-end RF system performance analysis
Troubleshoot RF and digital communication issues across integrated spacecraft systems
Work within Linux-based test and development environments
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related technical field
4+ years of hands-on RF test or RF systems engineering experience
Experience working with RF lab instrumentation and automated testing
Familiarity with spacecraft, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware environments
Experience scripting in Python for automation and analysis
Strong understanding of RF fundamentals and digital communication systems
Comfortable working hands-on in lab and integration environments
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with spacecraft or satellite communications systems
Familiarity with DVB-S2, OFDM systems, and software-defined radios
Experience with software-defined ground systems
Familiarity with digital modulation techniques and RF link analysis
Experience selecting and characterizing coaxial cables and RF interconnects
Experience supporting integrated environmental test campaigns
Understanding of RF behavior in vacuum and high-power environments
Experience using Linux in development and test environments
Familiarity with phased arrays or advanced antenna systems
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference
Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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.
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