Skylo · 18 hours ago
Principal RF Payload Lead Engineer
United States
Full-time
Remote
Lead/Staff
$197K/yr - $210K/yr
8+ years expSkylo is a global Non-Terrestrial Network service provider based in Mountain View, CA, offering a service that allows smartphone and IoT cellular devices to connect directly over existing satellites. They are hiring a Principal RF Payload Lead Engineer, responsible for the architecture, design, development, and performance of advanced RF communications payloads for direct-to-device connectivity from LEO spacecraft.
Information TechnologyInternet of ThingsSatellite CommunicationTelecommunicationsWireless
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Define and own the RF payload architecture for direct-to-device services on LEO spacecraft, including phased-array antennas, RF front ends, frequency planning, and waveform selection aligned with cellular standards
Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of phased-array antennas (e.g., electronically steered arrays) for LEO missions, including beam forming strategies, scan performance, EIRP/G/T, ground coverage optimization, and handover considerations
Own end-to-end RF and communications link design for LEO space-to-ground cellular connectivity, including link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, Doppler impacts, interference analysis, and regulatory considerations
Define and manage RF payload interfaces with the spacecraft bus, including power, thermal, structural, EMI/EMC, data interfaces, and command and telemetry
Lead payload-level integration and test, including functional testing, RF performance verification, over-the-air testing of phased arrays, and environmental qualification for launch and the LEO space environment
Collaborate closely with cellular RAN and core network teams to ensure compatibility with 3GPP and related standards, including protocol behavior over LEO satellite links and integration with terrestrial networks
Develop and maintain requirements, specifications, and interface control documents (ICDs) for RF payload subsystems and suppliers; lead technical trade studies and formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams (RF, antennas, digital, baseband, and software) and manage external vendors delivering RF and phased-array hardware
Support mission operations and constellation deployment, including payload checkout, on-orbit commissioning, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting of RF and communications anomalies
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with emphasis on RF, communications, or electromagnetics
8–10+ years of experience in RF and communications systems engineering, including development of LEO satellite communications payloads or space-based RF systems
Demonstrated experience designing and delivering phased-array or electronically steered antenna systems, including architecture, modeling, beamforming, calibration, and test
Hands-on experience across the full RF payload lifecycle: requirements definition, design, hardware bring-up, integration, environmental testing, and flight delivery
Strong background in analog and digital RF design, including LNAs, PAs, frequency conversion, filtering, and end-to-end link analysis for high-performance communication systems
Proficiency with RF simulation and analysis tools (system-level and EM solvers) and laboratory RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators)
Deep knowledge of cellular communications systems (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR, or similar), including waveforms, multiple-access schemes, channelization, and physical-layer parameters
Experience applying or adapting cellular standards to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) or LEO satellite-based connectivity, including latency, Doppler, and mobility impacts
Familiarity with RAN and core network concepts, device requirements, and end-to-end system behavior for direct-to-device satellite services
Preferred
Prior experience on direct-to-device LEO satellite programs or 3GPP NTN-based systems
Proven track record leading complex technical teams delivering RF payload or communications hardware for on-orbit LEO missions
Strong understanding of space systems engineering practices applicable to LEO programs, including configuration management, risk management, and verification and validation of flight hardware
Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one, as required by program needs
Benefits
Competitive compensation packages including a stock option based equity program
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan
Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement
A generous time off policy, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroad
Once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of developing and running world’s first commercial, live direct-to-device satellite network and service
Access to world-class team and talent across tech domains: software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite and network virtualization
Open, transparent, inclusive culture that blends the Silicon Valley, Nordic and South Asia characteristics
Company
Skylo
Skylo is a global non-terrestrial service provider that allows smartphone and IoT cellular devices to connect directly over satellites.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$183MKey Investors
NGP CapitalSoftBank
2025-02-27Series Unknown· $30M
2024-02-13Series C· $37M
2020-01-21Series B· $103M
Leadership Team
Andrew Kalman
Co-Founder & Hub Architect
Andrew Nuttall
CTO and Co-Founder
Recent News
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2026-01-02
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2025-12-28
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