Staff RF Systems Engineer

The Avionics team is responsible for all aspects of the electrical design on the rocket, from electronics, interconnects, associated mechanical design, testing and initial production. This team's scope includes the flight computers, power systems, RF systems, PCB design, autonomous flight safety systems, and telemetry. This team works on complex electrical systems that require modularity and flexibility, and are critical to the successful launch of Terran R, and beyond!

Serve as a senior technical generalist and owner for Terran R vehicle RF systems, leading system-level trades and analyses driving the overall RF architecture. Develop and maintain end-to-end link budgets for telemetry, command, and video across all flight phases, and define the vehicle RF frequency plan. Lead antenna placement and coverage trades using installed-pattern simulation and trajectory-driven analysis. Support multiple radio and RF hardware developments including: requirement generation, design review, and leading integrated RF testing and anomaly investigations. Set analysis standards for the RF team and mentor junior RF engineers as they grow into independent owners.

About You:

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

8+ years of RF systems engineering experience on launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or comparable flight systems, including taking flight RF hardware such as antennas, harnessing, or radios from design through qualification

Strong command of RF system fundamentals, including link budgets, antenna theory, interference, and EMI/EMC requirements (e.g., MIL-STD-461/464)

Proven ability to lead technical work across disciplines and mentor other engineers

Hands-on experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and EMI receivers

Proficiency with full-wave EM simulation tools such as HFSS, FEKO, or CST, and with Python or MATLAB for analysis and automation

Nice to haves, but not required:

Experience with launch range RF interfaces and validating high-dynamics link performance

Experience with telemetry standards such as IRIG-106

Familiarity with spectrum management and frequency authorization processes (NTIA, FCC)

Experience with STK or other trajectory-based coverage analysis tools

Experience managing RF hardware suppliers through qualification and production

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:

$175,000 — $263,000 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [email protected].

Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.