DeployX · 19 hours ago
Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer
Torrance, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$175K/yr - $225K/yr
7+ years expDeployX is a newly formed startup backed by Red Cell Partners, focused on revolutionizing advanced communications across various sectors. The Principal RF Engineer will be a key technical leader, driving the development and architecture of innovative antenna systems while leading multi-disciplinary teams in research and development efforts.
Consumer Goods
Responsibilities
Develop the technical roadmap for RF components and systems, aligning with the company's product vision
Architect system-level solutions for plasma-enhanced antenna technology, focusing on performance, scalability, and reliability
Lead research and development efforts for RFICs, high-power amplifiers, and advanced antenna systems
Perform advanced modeling and simulation to optimize system performance
Lead the design and integration of RF modules and subsystems
Troubleshoot complex RF systems and identify solutions to challenging technical problems
Mentor junior engineers, fostering technical growth and excellence within the team
Guide multi-disciplinary teams in the development of innovative RF solutions
Interface with stakeholders and customers to understand their needs and translate them into technical requirements
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless system integration
Identify new applications and use cases for core technology
Evaluate complementary technologies and acquisition opportunities
Manage intellectual property strategy and patent portfolio
Foster innovation culture and technical excellence
Lead systems engineering that integrates electrical engineering and applied plasma physics end-to-end—RF front-ends, plasma ignition/sustainment, controls, packaging, power, and environmental robustness
Architect modular designs enabling upgrades and software-defined antenna behaviors; drive manufacturability with contract partners
Lead technical development for the company's primary and secondary products, from concept to prototype to qualification
Own rapid prototyping cycles: plan experiments, instrument tests, analyze results, and iterate. Build and run a lean lab environment that balances velocity with rigor
Address key challenges in plasma ignition & sustainment, thermal/power management, environmental robustness, and system reliability
Drive compliance pathways (e.g., FCC/ETSI, MIL-STD-461) and coordinate with test labs and government partners to qualify systems for operational use
Act as the senior technical interface to DoD/USG stakeholders and industry partners; communicate clearly and credibly with non-technical decision-makers
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field required; Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred
7+ years of experience in RF engineering, with a focus on antenna systems and RF circuit design
Deep understanding of RF principles, electromagnetic theory, and antenna design
Extensive experience with RF simulation and modeling tools
Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and guide multi-disciplinary teams
Experience with transitioning technology from research to commercial products
Understanding of defense, aerospace, or telecommunications product requirements
Hands-on experience with instrumentation (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, high-voltage power supplies), data capture, and model-to-measurement correlation
Comfort with ambiguity and experimental hardware; disciplined approach to documentation and test plans
Experience with software-defined radio interfaces and controls for adaptive RF systems
Preferred
Military communications experience strongly preferred, especially in mission‑critical RF domains such as tactical communications (TacComms), electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT), satellite communications (SATCOM), beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) systems, and secure / encrypted communications. Candidates with backgrounds supporting Joint/Coalition comms, UAV datalinks, radar systems, or contested-spectrum operations are especially encouraged to apply
Familiarity with defense certification pathways (FCC/ETSI, MIL-STD-461) and scaling technologies across TRLs
Prior work on SBIR/STTR proposals or program execution
Active security clearance or eligibility
Experience with dual-use technology commercialization
Knowledge of Department of Defense go-to-market strategies
Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory landscape
Startup or entrepreneurial experience
Previous experience with series A or earlier startups
Work history in national security, cyber security, or defense
Located in or near Southern California
Benefits
Career track opportunity with potential for rapid advancement with strong performance as the firm grows
100% employer paid, comprehensive health care including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.
Paid maternity and paternity for 14 weeks at employees' normal pay.
Unlimited PTO, with management approval.
Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
Optional 401K, FSA, and equity incentives available.
Mental health benefits available through Tara Mind.
Company
DeployX
DeployX is an advanced communications company delivering the next generation of integrated radio frequency technologies.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase