Principal RF Design Engineer - Satellite Communications

Title: Principal RF Design Engineer - Satellite Communications
Location: Clearwater, FL 33760
Salary: $150,000 - $175,000 + Bonus + Relocation Assistance

Founded in the early 2000s we are a 120 employee organization who designs and manufactures advanced manpack and fly away satellite communication terminals used by expeditionary military and federal users who require reliable connectivity in austere environments. The Clearwater location focuses on RF engineering, SATCOM terminal development, embedded electronics, antenna systems, modem integration, and production support for multi orbit ground terminals. Their customers include the Department of Defense, federal agencies, and prime contractors supporting X, Ku, and Ka band SATCOM missions.

The Principal RF Design Engineer will serve as the senior technical lead for RF and analog design, guiding engineering teams, advancing multi orbit SATCOM hardware, and driving the development of next generation RF components, converters, filters, and antenna related electronics.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead RF and analog design activities for SATCOM hardware including frequency converters, waveguide filters, microstrip filters, PLLs, and high frequency components above X band
• Develop, simulate, and optimize RF layouts and prototypes, ensuring performance, manufacturability, and compliance with military and industry standards
• Break down system level SATCOM requirements into detailed hardware specifications for modular RF products, transceivers, modems, antennas, and power modules
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams, reviewing board designs, troubleshooting production issues, and advising on RF architecture, component selection, and integration
• Conduct link budget analysis for GEO, MEO, and LEO terminals across X, Ku, and Ka bands and interface with satellite operators and government entities during certification processes

What You Need for This Position

• Deep experience designing RF hardware above X band with strong proficiency in frequency converters, waveguide structures, high performance filters, and PLL based architectures
• Strong board level design background including RF PCB layout, component placement, grounding, shielding, and optimization for high frequency performance
• Hands on experience with analog design, power considerations, and integration of RF circuits with digital logic and embedded control electronics
• Ability to lead technically without direct reports, guiding engineers, reviewing designs, resolving production challenges, and ensuring structured design process adherence
• Experience in SATCOM, defense electronics, or high frequency RF systems; familiarity with modem integration, ESA, mechanically steered positioners, or multi orbit terminal design is a plus

What's In It for You

Full Benefits Package ($25/paycheck Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD/STD, 401k w/ 5% matching) and more!