RF System Architect

Worker Type

Job Description

AV Inc. is seeking a visionary RF Solution Architect to serve as the ultimate technical authority for our next-generation Space RF and Digital Phased Array (DPA) product lines.

If you are a recognized Subject Matter Expert in active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) satellite communications (SATCOM) or space-grade RF architectures this is your opportunity to define the technology roadmap for future space missions. You will act as the technical bridge between customer mission requirements multi-disciplinary engineering teams and strategic IRAD investments.

What You Will Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Define the Technical Vision: Architect scalable modular and high-performance digital phased array systems spanning RF digital FPGA mixed-signal and mechanical constraints.

• Shape Future Space Missions: Act as the primary technical interface to defense and commercial space customers converting operational CONOPS (Radar EW SATCOM) into elegant hardware/software solutions.

• Drive Strategic IRAD: Guide internal research and development budgets to ensure our technology stays years ahead of the competition.

• Lead Captures & Proposals: Own the technical architecture and write winning technical volumes for high-priority space program bids.

• Ensure Mission Success: Partner with Product Line Chief Engineers to guide our designs through simulation prototyping system-level calibration and flight-ready integration.

• Champion Modern Standards: Drive the implementation of Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) across the Space RF division.

What We Are Looking For (Required Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• Phased Array Domain Expertise: 12 years of engineering experience with a heavy focus on digital phased array architectures RF front-ends and high-speed mixed-signal interfaces (such as RFSoCs ADCs/DACs).

• Space-Grade Architecture Experience: Proven track record architecting RF systems designed for low Earth orbit (LEO) GEO or tactical space environments.

• Bid & Proposal Experience: Demonstrated success leading technical captures writing technical volumes and presenting complex architectures to DoD or commercial space customers.

• Systems Trade-Off Mastery: Deep understanding of the trade spaces governing SWaP-C beamforming networks antenna array physics thermal management and digital signal processing (DSP).

• Security Clearance: Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred / Differentiating Qualifications

• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance.

• Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering with an RF/Electromagnetics focus.

• Experience implementing MOSA architectures (e.g. SOSA OpenVPX).

• Hands-on familiarity with MATLAB Python SystemVue or HFSS for modeling phased array antenna patterns and system-level performance.

• Proven history of mentoring senior engineering staff and driving cross-functional alignment across RF FPGA Software and Mechanical disciplines.

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the location the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironments determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironments business requirements. A U.S. person according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical dental vision 401K with company matching a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isnt for everyone. We hire the curious the relentless the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We dont just build defense technologywe redefine whats possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S. AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air land sea space and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonianbut were not building history were building whats next.

If youre ready to build technology that matterswith speed scale and purposetheres no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer including disability/veterans. AeroVironment Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race sex color religion national origin age disability protected veteran status genetic datasexual orientation gender identity or other legally protected status.

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