Skip to main content
Back to jobs

RF Engineer IV/V/VI

External
zone5technologies logoZone5technologies · San Luis Obispo, CA
$155K–$284K/yrFull-timeOn-site1mo ago
BashComplianceData AnalysisLeadershipMATLABPCB Design
Cover LetterConnect

Prepare for this interview

Elite

AI-generated questions, company research, and talking points tailored to this role

Responsibilities

  • Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands and technologies.
  • Define RF system requirements and drive architecture decisions through analysis, trade studies, and feasibility assessments.
  • Perform RF analysis including link budgets, antenna patterns, RF chain performance, interference/desense, and installed system effects.
  • Develop and validate RF/data link models and communication performance simulations.
  • Conduct hardware and software trade studies to optimize RF system performance, robustness, and scalability.
  • Support design, prototyping, integration, and qualification of wireless communication systems.
  • Debug and characterize RF issues including noise sources, interference, and aggressor/victim interactions.
  • Integrate RF subsystems with avionics, payloads, and platform constraints to ensure end-to-end system performance.
  • Develop and maintain internal RF modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
  • Support test activities including lab validation, ground testing, and flight test data analysis.
  • Present technical findings in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and leadership discussions.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to RF engineering standards and best practices.

Requirements

  • Required
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration.
  • Strong experience with RF architectures including transceivers, front-end design, and antenna integration.
  • Familiarization with MANET radios (e.g. Silvus, Persistent Systems, DTC, or similar).
  • Proficiency with RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar).
  • Experience performing RF system analysis (interference, system performance).
  • Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, RTSP, and other transmission protocols, with the ability to perform link budget and data throughput analysis.
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).
  • Programming or scripting experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++, bash) for modeling and data analysis.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in complex RF environments.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively across IPTs.
  • Preferred
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
  • Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) or contested electromagnetic environments.
  • Familiarity with communication systems, signal processing, and data link design.
  • Experience with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium) and hardware implementation.
  • Understanding of antenna theory and real-world integration constraints.
  • Experience designing for manufacturability, cost, and production scalability.
  • Experience supporting flight test or deployed RF systems.
  • Active or eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance.
  • Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA:
  • Level IV - $155k - $199k
  • Level V - $199k - $248k
  • Level VI - $248k - $284k
  • Pay range for this role
  • $155,000 - $284,000 USD

Benefits

Competitive total compensation packageComprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.401k with company-match4 weeks of paid time off each year12 annual company holidaysWhy Join Zone 5 Technologies?Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United SDental insuranceVision insurance401(k)

Additional Information

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter. We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here. The RF Engineer leads the design, analysis, and integration of RF and antenna systems across Zone 5 products. This role is responsible for developing high-performance communication and RF architectures that operate reliably in complex electromagnetic environments. You will work across the full lifecycle-from concept and trade studies through integration, test, and production-partnering closely with Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software, Integration, and Test to deliver robust, scalable RF solutions.

Your Match

How well this role fits your profile.

Company Intel

What employees say

Worked at zone5technologies? Share your experience

Interested in this role?

Apply on the company's website.

Cover LetterConnect