Job Description
Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Team Lead - RF Integration
As the Production RF Integration Team Lead, you will build, mentor, and guide a high-performing team of engineers dedicated to the assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) of Astranis spacecraft payloads and RF sub-assemblies. This role bridges the gap between RF design and flight-ready production. You will oversee the development of RF test cells, design-for-test (DFT) strategies, and cross-functional processes that ensure our communication satellites meet rigorous performance metrics before launch.
This role requires a unique blend of deep technical RF knowledge & intuition, agile program management, and people-first leadership.
Role
- Hire, develop, and lead a world-class team of RF test engineers. Cultivate a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous learning.
- Oversee the design and implementation of hardware test racks, leveraging both COTS equipment and custom PCBAs to measure complex RF signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test.
- Drive the development of Python-based automation software to interface with flight hardware, RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers), and enterprise data systems for seamless data capture.
- Stand up and scale cross-functional business processes for RF test requirements capture, test development, and rigorous test validation.
- Partner closely with RF Design, Mechanical Integration, and Environmental Test teams to channel test insights back into design improvements
- Manage budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements to ensure production milestones are met without sacrificing quality
Requirements
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of professional experience in a fast-paced hardware product development or production environment
- Proven track record of building, managing, and mentoring engineering teams, with a knack for delegation and team building
- Strong Design-for-Test (DFT) and test automation mindset, specifically tailored to complex hardware
- Exceptional ability to synthesize and summarize dense, highly technical RF and systems topics for both executive leadership and cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated ability to build engineering and operational processes from scratch
- US Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Green Card) is required
- Ability to work 5 days a week in office
Bonus
- Direct experience with RF test and measurement equipment (Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Noise Figure Meters, Signal Generators).
- Proficiency in Python or C++ for test automation and data analysis.
- Familiarity with the space environment, aerospace hardware integration, and test flows (TVAC, Vibration, EMI/EMC).
- Experience managing a mixed team of both engineers and technicians in a production environment.
- Knowledge of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and digital communication systems
Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
Lead a team of RF test engineers, oversee RF test cells development
5+ years experience, RF knowledge, Python
