Develop and maintain RF test fixtures and automated Python-based test systems. Operate and integrate RF lab equipment, characterize modulated waveforms and communication links, debug wireless hardware with cross-functional teams, document test procedures, and support system-level RF and OTA testing for spacecraft and ground communication systems.
As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support the development, integration, and testing of wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of communication hardware.
This role is focused on RF test automation, fixture development, and hands-on testing of wireless systems and modulated communication waveforms.
This role is focused on RF test automation, fixture development, and hands-on testing of wireless systems and modulated communication waveforms.
Responsibilities
- Design and support RF test fixtures and supporting test infrastructure
- Develop Python software and scripts for automated RF testing, instrumentation control, and data collection
- Operate and integrate common RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and software defined radios
- Support testing and characterization of modulated RF waveforms and communication links
- Work with RF and embedded software engineers to debug and validate wireless hardware performance
- Develop and document RF test procedures for engineering and production environments
- Support RF hardware bring-up, integration, troubleshooting, and system-level validation testing
- Assist with system-level RF testing including coexistence (CoEx), desense, and over-the-air (OTA) test activities
- Collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to improve test coverage and reliability
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
- 2+ years of experience writing Python for test automation, data analysis, or hardware validation
- Familiarity with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers
- Understanding of RF fundamentals and wireless communication systems
- Exposure to modulated waveforms and RF measurement techniques
- Familiarity with RF system parameters such as channel power, EVM, Es/N0, C/N0, modulation quality, and bandwidth
- Experience documenting test procedures or validation results
- Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
- Comfortable working hands-on in a lab environment
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience developing automated test systems or RF test fixtures
- Familiarity with SDR platforms or GNU Radio
- Experience testing wireless communication systems or digital modulation schemes
- Familiarity with embedded Linux, microcontrollers, or FPGA-based systems
- Experience with beamforming, phased arrays, or multi-antenna RF systems
- Familiarity with satellite communication protocols such as CCSDS or DVB-S2
- Experience with RF production, integration, environmental, or OTA testing
- Experience working in a fast-paced development environment
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.
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