RF Systems Architect
Posted 13 May 2026
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 15+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyElectrical Engineering, Physics (or related)
Study levelMaster's
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
CesiumAstro is seeking an RF Systems Architect to lead the definition and development of next-generation ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) RF payloads, with emphasis on radar systems, RF sensing, and wideband signal collection.
This role is highly strategic and technical, focused on end-to-end RF payload architecture—from antenna and front-end design through system-level performance, signal processing considerations, and mission integration. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep experience in phased array systems, wideband RF architectures, and space-based sensing payloads.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and lead system architecture for advanced ISR RF payloads, including radar and RF sensing systems for space and airborne platforms.
- Translate mission objectives into end-to-end RF payload architectures, including antenna systems, RF front-end, digitization, and downstream processing.
- Drive architectural trade studies across performance, SWaP, scalability, and mission constraints.
- Lead concept development for wideband, multi-beam, and multi-function RF payloads, including electronically steered arrays and digital beamforming systems.
- Partner with business development to shape technical strategy, support proposals, and secure new program opportunities.
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF payload architecture, supporting internal reviews and customer engagements.
- Guide cross-functional teams through architecture definition, prototyping, and system validation.
- Stay at the forefront of emerging ISR, radar, and RF sensing technologies and incorporate advancements into product roadmaps.
- Mentor engineers and establish best practices in RF system architecture and payload development.
- Communicate complex technical concepts, architectures, and trade-offs to internal stakeholders and external customers.