RF Systems Engineer Loft Orbital

Wanna join the adventure?

Loft Orbital is making space simple. We build and operate reliable, shareable satellites that give customers a faster, simpler path to orbit. By combining flight-proven spacecraft platforms with our own hardware and software, we make it easier to deploy missions in space.

As an RF Systems Engineer, you'll contribute to the design, development, and integration of communication systems across our satellite connectivity and next-generation RF payload programs. You'll work on RF system architecture, signal processing algorithms, and performance analysis, collaborating closely with FPGA, embedded software, systems, and hardware engineers to develop and integrate complex RF technologies.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of RF hardware and signal processing, solving challenging technical problems, and seeing their work go from initial design to in-orbit operation.

About this Role:

• Contribute to the design and development of RF systems for satellite connectivity and payload applications, including architecture, requirements, and technical trade-offs.
• Perform RF link budget analysis and evaluate subsystem performance across S-band, X-band, and inter-satellite link (ISL) applications.
• Develop and optimize signal processing algorithms for RF payloads using MATLAB and related simulation tools.
• Support RF payload development across the signal chain, from antennas and RF frontends to ADCs and SDR systems, including signal detection and geolocation.
• Collaborate with FPGA, embedded software, and systems teams to translate RF requirements into implementable solutions and integrate signal processing algorithms.
• Define and track system requirements, documenting technical decisions, integration activities, and verification results.
• Support RF testing, hardware integration, troubleshooting, and performance verification through AIT and in-orbit commissioning.
• Work across engineering and AIT teams to drive successful development and integration of RF systems and payloads.
• 2+ years of experience in Radio Frequency (RF) systems engineering, subsystem integration, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience with RF system integration, debugging, testing, and performance analysis.
• Experience with signal processing algorithms, including the ability to model, analyze, or evaluate RF signal processing approaches.
• Knowledge of RF communication systems and subsystems, particularly S-band and X-band communications.
• Experience with RF link budget calculations and RF system-level performance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with RF hardware, test equipment, and subsystem validation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive technical activities and collaborate across system and software integration efforts.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Experience with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) architectures and development.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based signal processing, including experience working with FPGA teams to implement digital signal processing algorithms or IP blocks.
• Knowledge of key SDR components and technologies, including channelizers, analog-to-digital converters (ADC), and digital-to-analog converters (DAC).
• Experience using MATLAB for signal processing, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Experience translating system-level RF and signal processing requirements into FPGA or embedded software implementation requirements.
• Experience with antenna systems, RF frontends, and RF payload architecture.
• Familiarity with RF geolocation, signal detection, spectrum analysis, or SIGINT-related applications.
• Experience with RF testing, integration, and performance verification in an aerospace or satellite environment.
• Equity, we want you to have an active role in our success
• Up to 35 days of Paid Time Off (vacations & RTT ) and flexible working hours, we want you to be at your best
• Health and life insurance, we care about your health
• Lunch Vouchers, because let’s be honest, we love food! (we even have a slack channel about it #loft-gourmand)
• Cross-office travel opportunities between San Francisco, Colorado, and Toulouse to learn from our differences
• Company and team off-sites and many other events to work & celebrate together
• Relocation assistance to Toulouse when applicable