HawkEye 360 · 3 months ago
Principal RF Systems Engineer
Herndon, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $180K/yr
7+ years expHawkEye 360 is delivering a revolutionary source of global knowledge based on radio frequency (RF) geospatial analytics. The Senior RF Systems Engineer will support RF payload performance across the satellite constellation, utilizing RF engineering expertise and mission systems engineering skills to ensure payload capabilities meet mission objectives and customer needs.
AerospaceAnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)NavigationSatellite CommunicationWireless
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
Qualification
Required
7+ 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
Preferred
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, RFI's, 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
Benefits
Annual performance bonus
Competitive base salary
Company
HawkEye 360
HawkEye 360 detects, geolocates, and characterizesvarious RF signals using its satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$562.3MKey Investors
National Reconnaissance OfficeSilicon Valley BankLockheed Martin Ventures
2025-12-18Series E· $150M
2025-12-18Debt Financing
2025-12-03Grant
Leadership Team
John Serafini
Founder & CEO
Craig Searle
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-05
alleywatch.com
2025-12-24
2025-12-21
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