Senior RF Engineer

Company Description

Icarus is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, developing solar-powered stratospheric drones designed to enhance global connectivity and observation. Operating at altitudes 20 times closer to Earth than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, our drones deliver superior 5G direct-to-device communication and ultra-high-resolution imagery. With the capability to remain airborne for up to a year through autonomous solar-powered operations, Icarus offers continuous, cost-effective solutions that surpass traditional cell towers and satellite systems.

 

Role Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior RF Engineer to join our dynamic team in El Segundo, California. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of the electrical systems that power and control our stratospheric drones. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and performance of our drones' power distribution, energy storage, and control systems, enabling sustained high-altitude operations.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and optimize RF communication systems and architecture for long-range (20+km) that are high bandwidth and low latency Internet connectivity.
• Ensure compliance with spectrum regulations and manage frequency allocation for seamless operation.
• Perform RF testing and validation in lab and field conditions to ensure robust performance in stratospheric environments.
• Own product compliance to adhere to all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute testing processes to validate the performance of end-to-end electronics systems in laboratory and field environments.
• Work on system trade studies, requirements definition, component selection, RF analysis, schematic development, prototyping, debugging, documentation, manufacturing, and testing of sophisticated electrical systems.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, thermal, and software to deliver seamlessly integrated and high-performance hardware solutions.
• Develop tools in-house to verify calculations, improves processes, and analyze data.
• Source and communicate with vendors and suppliers for relevant COTS components.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in professional RF experience

 

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 4G or 5G cellular communication systems or other communication networks.
• Experience with satellite communication systems (S-Band, X-Band, Ka-Band, Ku-Band, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of RF components (passive and active), performing analysis and simulation, and digital signal processing.
• Knowledge of RF communication systems, system architecture, and their integration into complex platforms.
• Knowledge of FCC compliance and certification processes.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• $120,000 to $160,000 salary
• Large equity in the company
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision plan with HSA.
• Dream desk setup, including tools and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• Daily lunch and unlimited Celsius.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.