About the role
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About
the Role: The Avionics Team is looking for an RF Engineer to design, develop, and validate the RF hardware that enables communication, telemetry, command and control, and high-bandwidth data transport across our spacecraft platforms. This role is heavily focused on board-level RF design and integration, working closely with electrical, PCB layout, firmware, and test engineers to deliver high-performance RF subsystems capable of operating reliably in the space environment. You will own RF circuitry from architecture through flight qualification, helping build the communications backbone of the orbital economy.
Responsibilities: Design and develop RF and microwave circuits for spacecraft communication, telemetry, tracking, and data transmission systems Architect and implement board-level RF hardware including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, oscillators, and frequency conversion chains Design and characterize high-speed digital signal paths (SerDes lanes, 25+ Gbps) including signal conditioning, switching, and equalization hardware Perform RF schematic capture, component selection, simulation, and analysis; characterize RF switches, variable attenuators, and amplifiers across the RF signal chain Partner closely with PCB layout engineers to optimize RF and high-speed board layouts — stackup selection, controlled impedance routing, coplanar waveguide structures, antipad geometry, and connector launch optimization Run 3D EM simulations in HFSS or CST — connector-to-microstrip transitions, via structures, and discontinuity characterization — and drive optimizer workflows to meet return loss and insertion loss targets Extract and validate S-parameters via simulation and measurement; work with Touchstone files across simulation, schematic, and measurement environments Develop and execute board-level validation and characterization plans using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BERTs Perform RF and signal integrity bring-up, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis on prototype and production hardware Support environmental testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, and radiation qualification activities Collaborate with systems engineers to define RF and signal integrity
