Senior RF Engineer
BlackSky
· Tukwila, WA
· Apr 21, 2026
Senior RF Engineer
Responsibilities:
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Perform functional analyses (link, power, throughput, etc.), detailed trade studies, and interface definition efforts to translate initial requirements into concepts and eventually detailed and qualified designs.
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Identify the necessary space-segment and ground-segment hardware necessary to accomplish payload and telemetry transmission over a wide range of mission CONOPS and orbital parameters.
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Create dedicated test setups, procedures for antenna checkout, radio peripheral checkout, cable/phasing network checkout, ground station compatibility tests, channel simulation tests, regulatory tests, and end to end full RF systems tests.
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Work hands-on with digital and analog RF equipment including radios, antennas, ADCs, and ground support equipment.
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Support production testers in the development and execution of test plans that ensure adequate testing of units and the complete system.
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Interface with supplier/vendors as needed to support subsystem procurement, design, development, and production.
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Collaborate among a multi-disciplinary engineering and production team to design and test satellite systems, subsystems, and components
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Support analyses and troubleshooting of in-orbit communication challenges and advise on operational Con Ops and performance.
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Manage competing priorities and manage individual tasks towards larger company and team objectives.
Requirements:
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Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
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A minimum of five years of technical experience, preferably in a space operations environment.
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Understanding of EE fundamentals/RF communications systems from a first principles perspective, including systems architecture, antennas, signal processing, and/or RF propagation.
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Familiarity with existing communications technology in aerospace and space industries.
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Experience developing and validating RF link budget system models.
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Knowledge of key parameters for Noise and Linearity for RF Systems and their impact on system performance.
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Familiarity with using RF and Electrical Test Equipment (e.g. oscilloscope, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, VNA, noise sources, etc.)
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Ability to develop of design documentation.
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Ability to multi-task within a startup, fast paced environment.
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Proven experience as a self-starter, that can work independently to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
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For the program this role supports, candidates must be a US Citizen.
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Experience with avionics and antenna installation, testing and maintenance.
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- Company
- BlackSky
- Location
-
Tukwila, WA
More jobs in Tukwila - Job Type
- Full-time
- Category
- RF / Microwave
- Posted
- Apr 21, 2026
- Source
- Original posting ↗