Director of RF Hardware Systems Engineering

About Eridan

At Eridan we believe in the power of collaboration and communication to achieve our mission: connect the planet to empower a sustainable, shared future. That mission is possible with our patented transmitter which decreases the cost and power required to roll out 5G by 10x when deployed globally. This is all facilitated through our offices: our Sunnyvale headquarters has big windows (even in the lab!), is walking distance to downtown and the Caltrain, and fits the entire team in the cafeteria for our frequent company parties. Learn more about our mission here.

Director of RF Hardware Systems Engineering

About this Job

The Director of RF Hardware Systems Engineering is a senior technical leadership role that owns the systems engineering function across Eridan’s radio product lines. The role sits at the intersection of systems architecture, hardware integration, and cross-functional execution, and is responsible for ensuring that engineering outputs hold together as coherent, specification-compliant systems — not just collections of subsystems.

This role serves as the internal owner of system-level specifications and integration integrity. Requirements arrive from Solutions Engineering and Deployments; this role translates them into rigorous engineering deliverables and drives alignment across hardware, firmware, and software. The Director of RF Hardware Systems Engineering is the person who is accountable when a system does — or does not — perform as intended.

The role will initially focus on Eridan’s compact and high power radio unit product lines, with scope expected to expand as additional platforms come online. Leading an RF hardware systems engineering team is a core part of the mandate from the outset.

As a Director of RF Hardware Systems Engineering, You Will

Systems Engineering Ownership

• Own end-to-end systems hardware engineering across active radio product lines: requirements definition, architecture, integration, and verification
• Maintain and enforce system-level specifications, ensuring fidelity from requirements intake through product qualification
• Drive resolution of cross-subsystem technical issues and represent systems integrity in design reviews and milestone gate decisions
• Establish systems engineering processes and documentation standards appropriate for a scaling hardware startup
• Oversee board-level integration and PCB development, ensuring robust RF/high-speed layout practices and design-for-manufacturability standards

Requirements Intake and Specification Ownership

• Serve as the primary engineering interface for requirements arriving from Solutions Engineering and Deployments — translating operational needs into precise, actionable system specifications
• Ensure that engineering priorities and trade-off decisions are grounded in validated requirements
• Partner with the VP of Engineering as well as Product and Operations leadership to align specification work with program milestones and planning commitments

Team Building and Leadership

• Manage and develop a team of hardware engineers aligned to active product lines
• Structure the team for growth as additional product lines come online, in partnership with the VP of Engineering
• Mentor developing engineers and help build the systems engineering discipline across the organization

Cross-Functional Execution

• Work closely with hardware, software, and test engineering teams to align integration milestones and system-level validation plans
• Coordinate with Test and Operations on qualification activities and readiness criteria
• Contribute to engineering program planning and resource discussions with cross-functional leadership

Qualities of a Successful Candidate

• 8+ years of experience in RF hardware systems engineering or a closely related technical discipline, with at least 3 years in a people management role
• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field
• Deep expertise in RF, wireless, or telecommunications hardware systems — experience at the radio unit, subsystem, or component level in any generation (4G, 5G, satellite, defense RF, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to own system-level specifications and drive integration in complex hardware/software co-development environments
• Proven track record of translating operational or customer requirements into rigorous engineering deliverables
• Strong communication and influencing skills across technical and cross-functional audiences
• Experience transitioning technology from R&D to high volume production

Nice to Have

• Experience with 5G radio hardware (O-RAN, small cell, macro radio)
• Familiarity with all levels of radio unit design, including power distribution, digital motherboards, RF circuitry, mechanical design, and manufacturing considerations
• Experience scaling a systems engineering function at a startup or growth-stage hardware company

Perks of working at Eridan

• Work on new technology that will make a significant impact on global infrastructure
• Ability to learn, develop, and advance within a flexible environment 
• Collaborate with smart, passionate, and helpful co-workers 
• Celebrate progress company-wide
• Pre-IPO equity 
• 401K with automatic match 
• Health, Vision and Dental insurance

Salary Range

Given our anticipated growth, we are open to hiring individuals with varying levels of experience to fill this role. Salary will be commensurate with job-related skills, experience and other relevant factors. The base salary range for the primary location of this role is between $180,000 and $210,000 plus stock options and benefits.

Eridan is an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.