RF Test & Validation Engineer

At LeoLabs, we’re building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions.

We’re not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space. As orbital activity accelerates and threats grow more complex, LeoLabs is a trusted partner for Space Domain Awareness, Space Traffic Management, and Satellite Operations for top-tier space operators and allied defense organizations.

If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here.

We are seeking an RF Test & Validation Engineer This position is based full-time onsite at our headquarters in Menlo Park, CA, where you’ll work closely with our development and production teams. At LeoLabs, the Hardware Engineering Team designs, develops, manufactures, and deploys the advanced radar systems that provide persistent orbital intelligence to our customers worldwide. As an RF Test Engineer, you will lead production test development, emissions testing, and RF compliance verification for LeoLabs’ global radar network. This role combines hands-on RF engineering, test automation, and data analysis to ensure our radar systems perform reliably and remain compliant with emissions requirements. You will own the design and maintenance of RF test setups used for both engineering development and production validation. Occasional international travel will be required to support site survey activities.   

Responsibilities 

·       Plan and execute emissions, spurious, and spectrum occupancy tests for radar systems and subsystems. 

·       Design, build, and maintain RF test setups for both engineering and production environments. 

·       Develop and refine automated test scripts and data acquisition tools using Python. 

·       Conduct and analyze RF surveys to support system characterization, compliance verification, and interference assessments. 

·       Develop and maintain compliance records, measurement reports, and EMF exposure analyses for deployed radar systems. 

·       Support troubleshooting, validation, and verification of production and field-returned hardware. 

·       Support and collaborate on RF licensing applications and renewals by providing emissions data, test documentation, and technical input. 

Basic Qualifications 

·        B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. 

·        3-5 years of experience in RF design, production test, or spectrum compliance verification. 

·        Hands-on experience with spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and antennas. 

·        Proficiency with Python for data collection, automation, and analysis. 

·        Working knowledge of emission and EMC/EMI test practices. 

·        Technical writing skills for generating clear, accurate test documentation, compliance reports, and engineering records. 

·        Strong documentation and organizational skills for maintaining test records and compliance data. 

·        Ability to manage multiple test initiatives in a fast-paced, global environment. 

Preferred Qualifications 

·       Experience with radar, satellite communications, or other high-power RF systems. 

·       Familiarity with production test development and calibration workflows. 

·       Understanding of RF safety and human exposure assessment methods. 

·       Experience integrating test automation tools or database systems. 

·       Familiarity with FCC or international frequency licensing processes and associated technical documentation. 

Within 1 month, you will: 

·       Complete our onboarding program designed to get you up to speed on our business, vision, and team. 

·       Gain familiarity with LeoLabs’ radar systems, test infrastructure, and manufacturing workflows. 

·       Learn existing RF test procedures and compliance frameworks. 

Within 3 months, you will: 

·       Conduct emissions and compliance tests on active radar hardware. 

·       Begin refining test setups and scripts used in production verification. 

·       Support data collection and analysis for RF surveys. 

Within 6 months, you will: 

·       Own the operation and maintenance of key production RF test setups. 

·       Implement improvements to test automation, documentation, and repeatability. 

·       Contribute to root cause investigations and design-for-test improvements. 

Within 12 months, you will: 

·       Lead ongoing RF compliance and production validation efforts for one or more radar programs. 

·       Develop standardized test procedures and data review frameworks across the production line. 

·       Play a key role in ensuring consistent, compliant, and reliable radar system performance worldwide. 

Global workforce: flexible remote/hybrid opportunities

Work on complex, meaningful missions with real-world impact

Unlimited paid time off for most roles

Competitive salary and equity packages

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Access to the forefront of commercial space operations and defense innovation

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.