The RF Engineer develops, documents, and improves production processes for Apium's unmanned systems, working between design engineering and the production floor. The role owns work instructions, tooling, process validation, and yield improvement, and leads the transition of new products from prototype to rate production. This position is central to building a scalable, AS9100-compliant manufacturing operation and reports to the Senior Engineering Manager, Manufacturing & Operations.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize RF communication links for unmanned systems, including command-and-control (C2), telemetry, and payload/data downlinks
Develop resilient datalink architectures for multi-agent architectures, including mesh networking and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET) that maintain connectivity as nodes move and drop out.
Design RF systems that meet strict Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints for airborne, ground, and maritime unmanned platforms.
Engineer anti-jam, low-probability-of-intercept/low-probability-of-detection (LPI/LPD), and spread-spectrum (DSSS/FHSS) waveforms and links for contested/congested RF environments.
Perform link budget, range, and coverage analysis for distributed topologies, including node-to-node and node-to-ground-station links
Design and integrate antennas for unmanned platforms, including omnidirectional, directional, and steerable/phased-array solutions for maintaining links during platform maneuvering
Conduct field and flight testing of RF links, including range testing, interference characterization, and multi-node connectivity trials
Characterize and mitigate co-site interference and EMI/EMC issues arising from densely packed radios, payloads, and motors on a single platform and across nearby members
Support GPS/GNSS integration and mitigation of jamming/spoofing for navigation-dependent autonomous operations
Troubleshoot and debug RF and datalink issues at the component, board, platform, and network level
Collaborate with autonomy, firmware, systems, and flight-controls teams to align RF performance with coordination and mission requirements
Support regulatory compliance and spectrum management (FCC, NTIA, DoD spectrum coordination) and transition designs from prototype to production

Requirements

Must be a US Citizen
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field
Strong understanding of RF and microwave theory, including S-parameters, impedance matching, link budgets, and transmission line theory
Experience designing and testing RF communication links, transceivers, and datalinks for wireless or unmanned systems
Working knowledge of digital communication and waveform fundamentals (modulation, coding, spread spectrum, frequency hopping)
Familiarity with mesh networking and MANET concepts as applied to mobile, multi-node systems
Proficiency with RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
Experience with RF simulation and design tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, AWR, MATLAB/Simulink)
Understanding of key RF link metrics including noise figure, sensitivity, linearity (IP3), gain, EVM, and BER
Knowledge of relevant standards and spectrum regulations (FCC Part 15, NTIA, ETSI, IEEE)
Awareness of SWaP trade-offs specific to airborne and mobile platforms
Understanding of video multiplexing, telemetry, CDMA protocol, LORA
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills

Nice to have

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with an RF/microwave or communications focus
Direct experience with unmanned systems (UAS/UGV/UUV/USV) datalinks or multi-agent autonomous systems
Experience with anti-jam, LPI/LPD, and electronic-warfare-resilient communications
Familiarity with software-defined radios (SDRs) and waveform development (e.g., GNU Radio, USRP/Ettus platforms)
Experience with phased-array, beamforming, or beam-steering antennas for mobile link maintenance
Knowledge of MANET routing protocols and RF network performance in dynamic, mobile topologies
Experience with GPS/GNSS anti-jam and anti-spoof techniques
Familiarity with mmWave and higher-frequency links for high-bandwidth payload data
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for test automation, waveform analysis, and link modeling
Experience taking RF products through regulatory certification and DoD/military spectrum coordination
Familiarity with military communication standards and waveforms (e.g., Link 16, TSM, MUOS, or similar tactical waveforms)
Active DoD security clearance or ability to obtain one

Benefits

Compensation: 110K – 137.28K plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.