# Senior Electrical Engineer - RF Systems

**Company**: Saronic Technologies
**Location**: San Francisco
**Work arrangement**: onsite
**Experience**: senior
**Job type**: full-time
**Category**: Engineering
**Industry**: Technology

**Apply**: https://jobs.lever.co/saronic/bde456c8-3965-49dd-ad74-6b34af89c16c
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_fa0d2d73-870

## Description

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Radio Frequency (RF) systems to join our Electrical Engineering – Advanced Development group. This role will focus on the research, evaluation, and integration of RF communications and sensing technologies - including radio transceivers, radar systems, antennas, and related electronics - supporting autonomous vessel networks and situational awareness.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in RF system design, testing, and benchmarking, with a strong foundation in wireless communications, spectrum management, and signal propagation in marine environments. This is a technically demanding, research-focused position with opportunities to influence system architecture and future platform capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead R&D efforts in RF communications, radar, and electronic sensing technologies for autonomous surface vessels.
* Evaluate and benchmark RF hardware and subsystems, including radios, antennas, and signal processing modules across multiple frequency bands (VHF/UHF, L/S/C/X bands).
* Conduct trade studies and comparative analyses of commercial and military-grade RF solutions to inform system selection and integration strategies.
* Design, prototype, and test RF systems and supporting electrical architectures, including cabling, shielding, and power interfaces.
* Model and analyze RF propagation and link performance in maritime and littoral environments.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy, software, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless integration of communication and sensing systems.
* Develop test procedures, perform validation trials, and analyze system performance under operational and environmental conditions.
* Author detailed R&D documentation, including technical reports, design specifications, and performance evaluations.
* Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Saronic’s RF technology roadmap and internal knowledge base.
* Support field testing and vessel trials, including setup and troubleshooting of communication and radar systems.

Required Qualifications:

* B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related discipline.
* 7+ years of professional experience in RF system design, testing, and integration -preferably in maritime, automotive, aerospace, or defense applications.
* Deep understanding of RF theory, antenna design, and signal propagation, including real-world marine effects (multipath, reflection, attenuation).
* Hands-on experience with RF instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.).
* Proven ability to conduct trade studies and technology benchmarking for RF components and systems.
* Familiarity with communications protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, and serial interfaces, and with wireless standards (LTE, SATCOM, mesh networking).
* Strong documentation and communication skills; able to translate test results into actionable design insights.
* Ability to work effectively in both lab and field test environments (dockside, at-sea, and range conditions).

Physical Requirements:

* Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
* Occasional standing and walking within the office.
* Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
* Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
* Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
* Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

Benefits:

* Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
* Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
* Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
* Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
* Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
* Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
* Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
* Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
* Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
* Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

## Skills

### Required
- Radio Frequency (RF) systems
- RF system design
- RF testing
- RF benchmarking
- Wireless communications
- Spectrum management
- Signal propagation
- Marine environments
- Autonomous vessel networks
- Situational awareness
- Radar systems
- Antennas
- Related electronics
- RF instrumentation
- Spectrum analyzers
- Network analyzers
- Signal generators
- Power meters
- Communications protocols
- Ethernet
- CAN
- Serial interfaces
- Wireless standards
- LTE
- SATCOM
- Mesh networking