Senior RF Engineer

About Nova Solvers

Nova Solvers is an advanced engineering and technology company developing scalable space, aerospace, and defense systems for government and commercial customers. We specialize in spacecraft avionics, onboard edge computing, RF systems, sensing technologies, payload development, and mission-critical hardware that enables the next generation of national security and commercial space missions. Our vertically integrated capabilities span system architecture, design, manufacturing, integration, and test, enabling rapid development and deployment of innovative technologies for demanding operational environments.

We are seeking an experienced Senior RF Engineer to lead the development of advanced RF systems and phased array technologies supporting space, aerospace, and defense applications.

Position Overview

The Senior RF Engineer will lead the architecture, design, analysis, integration, and manufacturing of advanced RF systems and phased array antennas supporting space, aerospace, and defense applications. This role spans the complete product lifecycle—from concept development and RF architecture through hardware implementation, manufacturing, environmental qualification, integration, and production.

Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, the successful candidate will develop high-performance RF payloads, communication systems, sensing technologies, and electronically steered antenna systems for LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, integration, and manufacturing of advanced RF systems and phased array antennas for space and defense applications.
• Design active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs), beamforming networks, antenna feed architectures, T/R modules, RF front ends, and associated control electronics.
• Develop RF payload architectures supporting SATCOM, PNT, SIGINT, EW, radar, and space-based sensing missions.
• Design RF receivers, transmitters, frequency conversion stages, LNAs, HPAs, synthesizers, filters, couplers, switches, mixers, and signal distribution networks.
• Perform antenna design, beamforming analysis, array calibration, radiation pattern optimization, RF link budgets, and end-to-end system performance analysis.
• Perform RF system analysis including gain, noise figure, linearity, dynamic range, phase noise, frequency stability, and interference analysis.
• Support PCB design, RF layout, impedance-controlled routing, shielding, thermal management, EMC/EMI mitigation, and design for manufacturability.
• Lead prototype development, hardware integration, manufacturing support, environmental qualification, production transition, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with FPGA, embedded software, digital hardware, mechanical, thermal, systems, and manufacturing engineers throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop technical documentation, engineering reports, customer presentations, and design reviews.
• Support proposal development and customer engagements by providing technical expertise and architecture recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience designing RF hardware for aerospace, defense, communications, or satellite systems.
• Demonstrated experience designing, integrating, and manufacturing phased array antenna systems.
• Strong background in AESA architectures, beamforming, antenna arrays, T/R module design, RF front ends, and microwave systems.
• Experience designing RF systems operating from L-band through Ka-band or higher.
• Strong understanding of antenna theory, electromagnetic propagation, phased array calibration, and RF system performance.
• Experience with RF simulation and design tools such as HFSS, CST Studio Suite, ADS, Microwave Office, MATLAB, or equivalent.
• Hands-on laboratory experience using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, network analyzers, and anechoic chamber test equipment.
• Experience transitioning RF hardware from prototype through manufacturing and production.
• Knowledge of DFM, DFA, PCB fabrication, RF assembly processes, production test methodologies, and manufacturing best practices.
• Strong understanding of RF link budgets, gain, noise figure, dynamic range, linearity, phase noise, EMC/EMI, and system integration.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and technical leadership skills.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing space-qualified RF payloads, communication systems, or phased array antennas.
• Experience with digital beamforming, hybrid beamforming, or adaptive antenna systems.
• Experience with SATCOM, GNSS, ISR, SIGINT, EW, radar, SDA, or space-based RF sensing systems.
• Experience integrating RF systems with SDRs, high-speed ADCs/DACs, FPGA-based processing platforms, and high-speed digital interfaces.
• Familiarity with radiation effects, radiation-hardened components, and environmental qualification of flight hardware.
• Experience supporting environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMC/EMI compliance.
• Active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance.

What We Offer

At Nova Solvers, you'll work alongside experienced engineers developing advanced technologies that support some of the most challenging missions in space and defense. We provide an environment where individuals can take ownership, contribute directly to mission success, and help build technologies that matter.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary: $150,000– $225,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.
• Performance-Based Incentive opportunities.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Paid company holidays.
• Work alongside industry-leading engineers developing advanced space and defense technologies.

Work Environment

This position is primarily onsite and involves system architecture development, technical leadership, customer engagement, integration support, and mission planning activities. Candidates should be comfortable working across engineering disciplines and interfacing directly with customers and stakeholders.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to lead the development of advanced spacecraft and mission systems that support next-generation sensing, autonomy, and national security capabilities. Your decisions will directly shape mission architectures, system performance, and program success.

Our Vision and Values

We believe that innovation happens when talented people are empowered to solve difficult problems. Our culture is built on technical excellence, integrity, ownership, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering solutions that matter.

We Care Deeply About

• Mission Success
• Technical Excellence
• Innovation and Continuous Learning
• Integrity and Accountability
• Teamwork and Respect
• Delivering Real-World Impact

Location

Torrance, California

This position is primarily onsite to support program execution, customer interaction, and spacecraft development activities.

Security & Export Control

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, applicants must be (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. As a result, applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Nova Solvers is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and inclusion. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, and believe they strengthen our ability to innovate and solve complex challenges. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

How to Apply

Interested in joining our team? Click the Apply button and email us your resume for consideration.