RF Engineer at Karman+

Position: RF Engineer

Location: Broomfield, CO

Position Type: Full-time

Mission: High Frontier – Design, Integrate, Test, and Deploy Spacecraft Communications

We’re Karman+, a lean and ambitious space startup with a mission to push the boundaries of in-space capabilities. Our High Frontier mission relies on a robust and resilient communications system to enable critical spacecraft-ground and interplanetary links. If you’re an experienced communications or RF engineer with a passion for deep space systems and hands-on problem solving, this role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a vital subsystem and help shape the success of a bold space mission.

What it takes to be successful in this role:

As the responsible engineer for the RF Communications System, you’ll take end-to-end ownership of the communications system for the High Frontier mission. From detailed design to final deployment, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that our comms solution is rock-solid, mission-ready, and able to handle whatever space throws at it. 

This is an individual contributor role focused on technical expertise and subsystem ownership. If you thrive on designing and integrating communications hardware, making autonomous engineering decisions, and diving deep into testing and troubleshooting, we’d love to talk to you.

Key Responsibilities 

• Own every phase of the comms system lifecycle, from detailed design, to operational support for the spacecraft and ground systems, ensuring mission readiness and resilience.
• Lead the design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of the communications system and subsystems for interplanetary missions.
• Make autonomous technical decisions on system design, integration, and design trade-offs. Balance mission requirements with constraints on cost, schedule, and risk.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues, especially during integration and testing phases.
• Interface with other engineering teams (e.g., software, structures, systems engineering) to integrate the comms system seamlessly into the larger mission.
• Act as the main point of contact for comms-related topics, keeping all stakeholders aligned on system status and challenges.
• Oversee the procurement of critical components, work with vendors, and manage the supply chain for the comms system. Ensure all hardware and software meets mission specs and integrates smoothly.
• Maintain adherence to regulatory and operational standards for all comms system components.
• Ensure compliance with spectrum regulations, licensing requirements, and standards governing spacecraft communications.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for designs, trade-off analyses, testing protocols, and troubleshooting procedures for knowledge continuity and future reference.
• Continuously evaluate and integrate emerging technologies and best practices to enhance the communications system’s reliability, efficiency, and performance.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
• Proficiency with industry-standard RF simulation and design software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, CST, HFSS).
• Hands-on experience in the design, integration, and deployment of complex comms systems—ideally including deep space comms systems. 
• Expertise in RF engineering, modulation techniques, link budgets, signal integrity, and other comms essentials.
• Strong project management skills, including task prioritization, resource balancing, and progress tracking.
• Comfortable making autonomous decisions, balancing technical and operational needs to keep the mission on target.
• Hands-on approach—you’re as comfortable in a design review as you are in a test lab.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Foundational experience in communication or RF engineering for spacecraft applications.
• BS or MS in engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical field. 

Additional Information

We Offer

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.

Top Benefits & Perks

As a member of the Karman+ team, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options. 
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Broomfield, CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered, however, no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman+ for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private offices. In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

Travel

Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, conferences, meetings, events, or visits to onsite locations.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Karman+ reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice. 

Hiring Practices

Karman+ is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact [email protected].