RF Systems Architect
Cesium Astro
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Description
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.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
- 15+ years of professional experience in RF engineering, radar systems, or RF sensing technologies.
- Demonstrated expertise in RF system design fundamentals, including link budgets, noise analysis, and RF propagation.
- Strong technical background in phased array antennas, beamforming techniques, and wideband RF systems.
- Experience working with RF hardware components such as antennas, LNAs, mixers, ADCs/DACs, and frequency conversion chains.
- Proficiency with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, CST, or similar).
- Solid understanding of radar principles and/or signal processing techniques relevant to RF sensing applications.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or space-based systems environments.
- Demonstrated technical leadership experience or progression into senior/architect-level roles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex engineering environments.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience contributing to or leading successful program captures and technical strategy.
- Demonstrated innovation, including patents or novel RF/antenna system developments.
- Experience in fast-paced, startup, or advanced development environments.
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About Cesium Astro
Cesium Astro is an engineering company based in Westminster, Colorado, United States. The company specializes in engineering roles such as thermal engineering and operates a career page hosted on Lever. It is involved in advanced engineering projects, likely in aerospace or satellite technology sectors given the name and job roles.