This Senior RF Design Engineer role at Skydio focuses on driving innovation in wireless connectivity for autonomous drones. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system-level wireless architecture, integrate and validate LTE/5G cellular systems, and lead hardware integration from architecture through production ramp. The position involves debugging RF performance, driving coexistence analysis, and supporting certification processes to deliver highly engineered products at scale.

Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with EE, RF, antenna, mechanical, ID, and systems teams to optimize end-to-end wireless system performance
Define system-level wireless architecture, requirements, specifications, and performance targets
Design, integrate, and validate wireless solutions across multiple radio technologies and frequency bands, including LTE/5G cellular systems
Lead cellular hardware integration efforts from early architecture through bring-up, debugging, optimization, certification, and production ramp
Drive RF coexistence and desense analysis across tightly integrated wireless subsystems
Perform detailed circuit-level analysis to debug RF performance, interference, and desense issues, and characterize aggressor/victim relationships
Identify and mitigate noise sources impacting wireless performance at both board and system levels
Support end-to-end product development from concept, prototyping, and validation through qualification, carrier certification, PTCRB, regulatory approval, and manufacturing test
Develop and execute wireless performance characterization plans, including TRP/TIS, OTA, throughput, range, and coexistence testing
Partner with external module vendors, certification labs, and carriers to ensure successful cellular integration and compliance

Requirements

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
7+ years of hands-on experience developing wireless consumer or embedded products with complex RF systems
Strong cellular hardware development experience is required, including LTE modem integration, RF front-end architecture, carrier requirements, and system bring-up/debug
Deep technical understanding of one or more wireless technologies including LTE/cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS/GNSS, and related coexistence challenges
Strong understanding of RF desense mechanisms, EMI/EMC mitigation, radiated/conducted coupling, and system-level integration challenges
Experience with analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuit design and analysis
Experience with PCB schematic review, layout guidance, RF routing, grounding, shielding, and power integrity best practices
Proven experience debugging and optimizing wireless system performance in highly integrated products
Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, CMW500, signal generators, power meters, near-field probes, and OTA test systems
Experience using RF simulation and modeling tools such as Ansys HFSS and Keysight ADS
Experience performing and analyzing TRP, TIS, OTA, throughput, and Rate vs. Range measurements
Strong understanding of manufacturing test, production calibration, and wireless validation workflows
Ability to independently drive complex technical problems across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment

Nice to have

Extensive experience supporting products through PTCRB and carrier certification processes is strongly preferred
Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

Benefits

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - 240,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.