Senior Manager, RF Engineering

Location: This role is based at our San Francisco, CA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: Travel is expected between Capella offices and vendor facilities, surge support up to 10% (average 3 days every 2 months). 
Job ID: 569

 

About Capella 

Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella’s culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthens global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations. Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. No prior space experience is required. Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella’s ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide. 

What Makes Capella Unique?    

Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella’s culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthens global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations. No prior space experience is required. Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella’s ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide. 

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior RF Manager with strong technical background to lead our small RF team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and leading the RF team as well as individual contributions. You will provide technical direction of satellite RF system architectures and subsystem design. As an integral part of our engineering team, you will be collaborating cross-functionally with electrical, software, thermal, mechanical, and spacecraft operations teams.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the RF team
• Own the RF design process
• Implement and improve PCBA process
• Lead detailed RF system modeling & EM simulation efforts
• Develop system level budgets, maintaining technical oversight of system performance throughout product lifecycle
• Direct and conduct RF system architecture trade studies
• High-level direction of design validation & qualification campaigns
• Act as subject matter expert in new program proposal development
• Manage the development of outsourced components and interface with external vendors
• Provide guidance and mentorship for junior engineers

Qualifications 

• BSEE/Physics + 10 years related experience, or MSEE/Physics + 8 years related experience
• Experience developing RF system/payload budgets to assess margin to performance requirements
• Expert knowledge of EM simulation tools for waveguide, antenna, and/or planar component design (MWO, ADS, HFSS)
• Expert knowledge in at least two of the following areas:
  • Space-based antenna systems (single- and multi-aperture, passive and active)
  • Space-based high-power PA design
  • Satellite communications transponder system design
  • Software defined radios and digital signal processing
  • Ultra-stable oscillator / frequency synthesizer design
• Expert knowledge of RF test & measurement methods
• Deep hands-on experience working with and troubleshooting RF circuits and/or systems
• Familiarity with spacecraft architectures and cross-functional engineering stakeholders
• Experience leading teams and mentoring junior engineers
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with RF/communication system design tools (VSS, SystemVue, MATLAB)
• Familiarity with microwave component assembly and packaging techniques
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