This aerospace startup is revolutionizing the skies by developing high-altitude, solar-powered UAVs designed for real-time next-gen communication capabilities. With ambitions to surpass traditional satellite and ground-based technologies, the team is pioneering a new era of connectivity — one that will redefine global communications and access for underserved regions. Their vision is to become a trailblazer in solar-powered aviation, reshaping the future of autonomous UAVs and setting a new standard for how the world connects from above.

This company has a powerhouse team and the network/tech to surpass competitors.

We prefer this person to be located in the Bay Area and be onsite at headquarters, but for the right person we may be able to make a hybrid/remote exception for someone in LA or Seattle.

We are looking for a Principal RF Systems & Hardware Engineer to lead the definition and execution of our communication payloads. You will bridge the gap between high-level system theory and board-level reality. This is a hands-on role where you will not only define the architecture and link budgets but also select critical components, design the signal chain, and bring up the radio hardware in the lab.

What You’ll Own

• Define the end-to-end RF signal chain from the digital interface to the antenna port, ensuring link budgets and coverage goals are met.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of critical active RF components, including Power Amplifiers (PAs), Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), ADCs/DACs, mixers, and filters.
• Design and prototype high-performance RF subsystems, including schematic capture, board layout oversight, and bring-up of custom radio hardware.
• Conduct hands-on bench testing to characterize component performance (linearity, noise figure, compression) and validate system-level specifications.
• Interface with chipset vendors and semiconductor manufacturers to source the best silicon for our unique constraints.
• Work with the digital engineering team on data converter interfaces and the antenna team on impedance matching and integration.

Join a powerhouse team of brilliant builders
Collaborate with a tight-knit crew of deeply technical and business-savvy innovators. You will work alongside leaders with a star-studded history of Silicon Valley success who are passionate about creating something industry shifting.

Competitive startup salary
Be paid well to do the most energizing work of your career.

Ground-floor equity
Own meaningful upside from day one. This is your chance to shape the company’s trajectory and participate fully in the value you help create.

Excellent health insurance
Enjoy strong medical coverage for employees so you can stay healthy while pushing boundaries.

Dog-friendly office with Bay views
Bring your pup and enjoy a beautiful workspace with panoramic water views that spark creativity and joy.