HawkEye 360
Overview
HawkEye 360 is seeking a
Principal RF Systems Engineer
to join the
Systems Engineering
team to support RF payload performance across our satellite constellation. This role combines RF engineering expertise with mission systems engineering to help ensure payload capabilities meet mission objectives and customer needs.
You will apply a deep understanding of space-based RF payloads—including Software Defined Radios (SDRs), RF front ends, antennas, and onboard processing architecture—to model, predict, and assess performance in real-world scenarios. Your work will span payload systems engineering, constellation planning, strategic initiatives, and end-to-end architecture, contributing directly to the success of HawkEye 360\'s RF data collection missions.
We are looking for a technically strong, solutions-oriented engineer with hands-on RF experience, creative problem-solving skills, and a passion for advancing space-based RF technology.
Responsibilities
Analyze, model, and optimize all aspects of space-based RF geolocation
Apply knowledge of SDR architectures, RF front ends, antennas, and onboard processing to evaluate the feasibility of mission scenarios
Develop and maintain link budgets for challenging orbital geometries and dynamic pointing profiles
Model detectability and classification of ground-based radar systems and other RF emitters; recommend payload adjustments to achieve detection
Define sampling, channelization, and onboard processing parameters to meet mission performance objectives
Translate customer and program team requirements into clear, verifiable technical specifications for satellite payload and ground systems
Support payload hardware architecture decisions through mission-driven trade studies and performance analysis
Collaborate with Space and Payload teams to validate performance models against integration and test (I&T) data
Contribute to proposal efforts by providing technical input, performance estimates, and analysis results
Participate in design reviews, requirements verification & validation (V&V), and mission readiness reviews as the RF payload performance subject matter expert
Support constellation design and mission systems engineering, ensuring designs meet operational requirements
Work with business development and mission management to ensure alignment between technical capabilities and mission goals
Qualifications Essential education and experience
12+ years professional experience in RF Systems Engineering
Bachelor\'s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field
Expert-level understanding of software-defined radios and RF front-end architectures
Strong expertise in link budget analysis and RF performance modeling
Knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including requirements development and V&V
Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for modeling and analysis
Strong communication skills to convey complex technical trade-offs to varied audiences
Solid analytical and strategic thinking skills with clear, concise technical writing ability
Desirable
Hands-on RF hardware experience (payload integration, RF lab testing, prototyping, field measurements)
Experience with RF electronics and lab equipment (Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, etc.)
Familiarity with ground-based radar systems and diverse RF signal types
Familiarity with orbital mechanics and/or attitude dynamics
Experience writing technical documentation such as formal requirements, design documents, RFIs, white papers, and proposals
Experience with EMI/EMC testing
Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments
Experience with Printed Circuit Board design (Altium)
Exposure to optical terminals or constellation mesh networks
Base Salary Range $170,000 - $200,000 annually
HawkEye 360 offers a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate\'s work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.
Company Overview HawkEye 360 is delivering a revolutionary source of global knowledge based on radio frequency (RF) geospatial analytics to those working to make the world a safer place. The company operates a commercial satellite constellation that detects, geolocates, and identifies a broad range of signals & behaviors. We employ cutting edge AI techniques to equip our global customers with high-impact insights needed to make decisions with confidence. HawkEye 360 is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
To all recruitment agencies: HawkEye 360 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, HawkEye 360 employees or any other organization location. HawkEye 360 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal RF Systems Engineer
to join the
Systems Engineering
team to support RF payload performance across our satellite constellation. This role combines RF engineering expertise with mission systems engineering to help ensure payload capabilities meet mission objectives and customer needs.
You will apply a deep understanding of space-based RF payloads—including Software Defined Radios (SDRs), RF front ends, antennas, and onboard processing architecture—to model, predict, and assess performance in real-world scenarios. Your work will span payload systems engineering, constellation planning, strategic initiatives, and end-to-end architecture, contributing directly to the success of HawkEye 360\'s RF data collection missions.
We are looking for a technically strong, solutions-oriented engineer with hands-on RF experience, creative problem-solving skills, and a passion for advancing space-based RF technology.
Responsibilities
Analyze, model, and optimize all aspects of space-based RF geolocation
Apply knowledge of SDR architectures, RF front ends, antennas, and onboard processing to evaluate the feasibility of mission scenarios
Develop and maintain link budgets for challenging orbital geometries and dynamic pointing profiles
Model detectability and classification of ground-based radar systems and other RF emitters; recommend payload adjustments to achieve detection
Define sampling, channelization, and onboard processing parameters to meet mission performance objectives
Translate customer and program team requirements into clear, verifiable technical specifications for satellite payload and ground systems
Support payload hardware architecture decisions through mission-driven trade studies and performance analysis
Collaborate with Space and Payload teams to validate performance models against integration and test (I&T) data
Contribute to proposal efforts by providing technical input, performance estimates, and analysis results
Participate in design reviews, requirements verification & validation (V&V), and mission readiness reviews as the RF payload performance subject matter expert
Support constellation design and mission systems engineering, ensuring designs meet operational requirements
Work with business development and mission management to ensure alignment between technical capabilities and mission goals
Qualifications Essential education and experience
12+ years professional experience in RF Systems Engineering
Bachelor\'s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field
Expert-level understanding of software-defined radios and RF front-end architectures
Strong expertise in link budget analysis and RF performance modeling
Knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including requirements development and V&V
Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for modeling and analysis
Strong communication skills to convey complex technical trade-offs to varied audiences
Solid analytical and strategic thinking skills with clear, concise technical writing ability
Desirable
Hands-on RF hardware experience (payload integration, RF lab testing, prototyping, field measurements)
Experience with RF electronics and lab equipment (Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, etc.)
Familiarity with ground-based radar systems and diverse RF signal types
Familiarity with orbital mechanics and/or attitude dynamics
Experience writing technical documentation such as formal requirements, design documents, RFIs, white papers, and proposals
Experience with EMI/EMC testing
Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments
Experience with Printed Circuit Board design (Altium)
Exposure to optical terminals or constellation mesh networks
Base Salary Range $170,000 - $200,000 annually
HawkEye 360 offers a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate\'s work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.
Company Overview HawkEye 360 is delivering a revolutionary source of global knowledge based on radio frequency (RF) geospatial analytics to those working to make the world a safer place. The company operates a commercial satellite constellation that detects, geolocates, and identifies a broad range of signals & behaviors. We employ cutting edge AI techniques to equip our global customers with high-impact insights needed to make decisions with confidence. HawkEye 360 is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
To all recruitment agencies: HawkEye 360 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, HawkEye 360 employees or any other organization location. HawkEye 360 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
#J-18808-Ljbffr