{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"3ca814e78067f60deda8f6fd","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/3ca814e78067f60deda8f6fd","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/3ca814e78067f60deda8f6fd","title":"RF Test Engineer I","description":"Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth\nWho We Are:\nInversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next‑generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low‑Earth Orbit into an on‑demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. Inherently dual‑use, our technology meets urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Supported by investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion pushes the boundaries of space‑based defense and logistics.\n\nWhat You'll Do:\nAs an RF Test Engineer, you will verify, validate, integrate, and characterize flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion’s next‑generation re‑entry vehicles. You will sit within the Avionics team and own the development and execution of RF test plans, taking systems from benchtop validation through integrated hardware testing and mission‑readiness verification.\n\nYou will be a key member of the Avionics team, reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, Avionics. Our engineers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of the hardware they support, including development, test, integration, and troubleshooting.\n\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities:\n\nDevelop and execute RF test plans, procedures, and verification methods for components, subsystems, and integrated vehicle systems.\n\nSet up, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory test configurations for receiver, transmitter, and antenna validation.\n\nMeasure and characterize RF performance including gain, insertion loss, return loss, noise figure, linearity, bandwidth, spurious response, dynamic range, and interference susceptibility.\n\nPerform component‑, subsystem‑, and system‑level RF test and measurement activities using standard laboratory equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters).\n\nSupport integration, debugging, and troubleshooting of RF hardware in development, qualification, and test environments.\n\nCollect, analyze, and document test data in formal reports, summaries, and engineering briefings.\n\nAssist in verification of requirements and support qualification, acceptance, and environmental test campaigns.\n\nCoordinate closely with RF, antenna, DSP, FPGA, software, and electrical engineering teams during integration and test activities.\n\nImprove test efficiency, repeatability, and data quality through automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.\n\nSupport over‑the‑air and antenna test activities, including range setup and validation, as needed.\n\nRequired Qualifications:\n\nBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field with RF emphasis.\n\n1–3 years of professional experience (or intensive academic/project experience) in RF test, measurement, validation, or integration.\n\nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance up to Top Secret.\n\nHands‑on RF test and measurement experience for component, subsystem, and system‑level validation.\n\nProficiency with common laboratory equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, multimeters, power supplies).\n\nExperience with RF test setup development, calibration, troubleshooting, and data collection.\n\nFamiliarity with receiver/transmitter performance metrics (gain, noise figure, linearity, spurious response, bandwidth, dynamic range).\n\nAbility to develop test plans, test procedures, and formal test reports.\n\nExperience with test automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.\n\nUnderstanding of integration issues across RF, digital, and embedded hardware systems.\n\nStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results clearly to multidisciplinary teams.\n\nDesired Qualifications:\n\nExperience with antenna and over‑the‑air test methods.\n\nFamiliarity with S-band and L-band communication or telemetry systems.\n\nFamiliarity with aerospace and defense test and qualification standards (MIL‑STD‑810/461, DO‑160, SMC‑S‑016) as applied to RF and avionics hardware.\n\nFamiliarity with S-parameters and their use in evaluating RF component and system performance.\n\nExperience supporting environmental qualification testing (EMI/EMC, vibration, thermal, shock, thermal vacuum).\n\nKnowledge of telemetry and range safety standards such as IRIG‑106 and common digital modulation schemes.\n\nExperience with automated data acquisition, test scripting, and post‑processing pipelines.\n\nFamiliarity with fault isolation and root‑cause analysis for RF hardware failures in integrated systems.\n\nExperience working with RF systems in aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, or other mission‑critical applications.\n\nAbility to support fast‑paced prototype development and integration efforts in small, highly collaborative teams.\n\nPrior experience in startups or small independent engineering teams.\n\nLevel II Consideration\nLevel II candidates should possess the applicable qualifications listed above, including 3–5 years of professional experience in RF test engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or other high‑reliability environments. The Level II compensation range is 106,000 - 150,000.\n\nLocation\nOur office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.\n\nEqual Employment Opportunity\nInversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Inversion","rawCompany":"inversion","city":"Hawthorne","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-07-21T03:22:44.461Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2072.00","title":"Electronics Engineers, Except Computer","slug":"electronics-engineers-except-computer"},{"code":"17-2112.02","title":"Validation Engineers","slug":"validation-engineers"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"334220","title":"Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wireless-communications-equipment-manufacturing"},{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"RF Test Engineer I","description":"Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth\nWho We Are:\nInversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next‑generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low‑Earth Orbit into an on‑demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. Inherently dual‑use, our technology meets urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Supported by investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion pushes the boundaries of space‑based defense and logistics.\n\nWhat You'll Do:\nAs an RF Test Engineer, you will verify, validate, integrate, and characterize flight and ground RF/Telemetry systems for Inversion’s next‑generation re‑entry vehicles. You will sit within the Avionics team and own the development and execution of RF test plans, taking systems from benchtop validation through integrated hardware testing and mission‑readiness verification.\n\nYou will be a key member of the Avionics team, reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, Avionics. Our engineers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of the hardware they support, including development, test, integration, and troubleshooting.\n\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities:\n\nDevelop and execute RF test plans, procedures, and verification methods for components, subsystems, and integrated vehicle systems.\n\nSet up, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory test configurations for receiver, transmitter, and antenna validation.\n\nMeasure and characterize RF performance including gain, insertion loss, return loss, noise figure, linearity, bandwidth, spurious response, dynamic range, and interference susceptibility.\n\nPerform component‑, subsystem‑, and system‑level RF test and measurement activities using standard laboratory equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters).\n\nSupport integration, debugging, and troubleshooting of RF hardware in development, qualification, and test environments.\n\nCollect, analyze, and document test data in formal reports, summaries, and engineering briefings.\n\nAssist in verification of requirements and support qualification, acceptance, and environmental test campaigns.\n\nCoordinate closely with RF, antenna, DSP, FPGA, software, and electrical engineering teams during integration and test activities.\n\nImprove test efficiency, repeatability, and data quality through automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.\n\nSupport over‑the‑air and antenna test activities, including range setup and validation, as needed.\n\nRequired Qualifications:\n\nBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field with RF emphasis.\n\n1–3 years of professional experience (or intensive academic/project experience) in RF test, measurement, validation, or integration.\n\nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance up to Top Secret.\n\nHands‑on RF test and measurement experience for component, subsystem, and system‑level validation.\n\nProficiency with common laboratory equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, multimeters, power supplies).\n\nExperience with RF test setup development, calibration, troubleshooting, and data collection.\n\nFamiliarity with receiver/transmitter performance metrics (gain, noise figure, linearity, spurious response, bandwidth, dynamic range).\n\nAbility to develop test plans, test procedures, and formal test reports.\n\nExperience with test automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.\n\nUnderstanding of integration issues across RF, digital, and embedded hardware systems.\n\nStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results clearly to multidisciplinary teams.\n\nDesired Qualifications:\n\nExperience with antenna and over‑the‑air test methods.\n\nFamiliarity with S-band and L-band communication or telemetry systems.\n\nFamiliarity with aerospace and defense test and qualification standards (MIL‑STD‑810/461, DO‑160, SMC‑S‑016) as applied to RF and avionics hardware.\n\nFamiliarity with S-parameters and their use in evaluating RF component and system performance.\n\nExperience supporting environmental qualification testing (EMI/EMC, vibration, thermal, shock, thermal vacuum).\n\nKnowledge of telemetry and range safety standards such as IRIG‑106 and common digital modulation schemes.\n\nExperience with automated data acquisition, test scripting, and post‑processing pipelines.\n\nFamiliarity with fault isolation and root‑cause analysis for RF hardware failures in integrated systems.\n\nExperience working with RF systems in aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, or other mission‑critical applications.\n\nAbility to support fast‑paced prototype development and integration efforts in small, highly collaborative teams.\n\nPrior experience in startups or small independent engineering teams.\n\nLevel II Consideration\nLevel II candidates should possess the applicable qualifications listed above, including 3–5 years of professional experience in RF test engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or other high‑reliability environments. The Level II compensation range is 106,000 - 150,000.\n\nLocation\nOur office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.\n\nEqual Employment Opportunity\nInversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-07-21T03:22:44.461Z","dateModified":"2026-07-21T03:22:44.461Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Inversion","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Hawthorne","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"3ca814e78067f60deda8f6fd"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/3ca814e78067f60deda8f6fd"}}