RF Engineer

Back to all rolesRF EngineerApplyJob detailsDepartment / EngineeringAirbase HQ, NYCFull-time$125,000 USD - $175,000 USDJob OverviewAirbase builds the software platform for radio frequency spectrum licensing, coordination, and intelligence. Backed by a16z, we are a fast-moving, dual-use startup transforming wireless communication from a static, analog bottleneck into a dynamic, software-defined advantage.Today, the world’s most advanced hardware—from satellite mega-constellations to Army UAS swarms and Electronic Warfare systems—is grounded by 20th-century paperwork. Spectrum coordination relies on fragmented databases, missing systems of record, and decades of static PDFs. Airbase is fixing this. We’ve built novel AI pipelines to digitize this analog bureaucracy and translate it into a software-defined, machine-readable data layer. We are transforming the spectrum from a static bottleneck into a dynamic advantage, delivering machine-speed tactical deconfliction for the military and automated licensing for commercial innovators.What you’ll do:Architect, design, and implement the RF analysis backend.Build a high-fidelity RF modeling and interference engine to simulate and predict spectrum behavior for diverse assets.Develop, validate, and integrate RF models for space, airborne, and ground-based communications systems.Collaborate with the frontend team to translate complex RF data and insights into actionable product features for users.Establish engineering best practices and play a defining role in shaping the early-stage engineering culture and technology stack.You should have:Experience in RF engineering, signal processing, or a related field.Expert-level knowledge of RF system-level design, link budget analysis, propagation, and interference modeling techniques.Proven experience building and maintaining production-grade backend services (e.g., in Python, Go, or Rust).A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.Nice to Haves:Experience building RF sensing hardwareFamiliarity with machine learning techniques applied to spectrum analysis or anomaly detection.Understanding of regulatory frameworks for spectrum management (e.g., FCC, ITU).Prior experience in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.Experience with space communications and satellite systems.You thrive on:Taking ownership and navigating shifting priorities in a fast-moving, high-impact environment.Moving seamlessly between high-level architecture and hands-on implementation.Benefits & PerksCompetitive salary with opportunities for growth and equity in an early stage startup.Comprehensive health insurance plans.Regular team-building events and company retreats.Airbase is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.Upload your resume to autofill the applicationUploadFirst name *Last name *Email *Dial codePhone numberLinkedIn profilePlease upload your resume (preferably as a PDF file) *Click or drag file to uploadSupported file format: .PDF; Maximum file size: 10.49 MB; Maximum file: 1;Specific This role requires working onsite from our NYC office 5 days per week. Are you willing and able to work onsite in NYC? *For certain roles, Washington DC is also an acceptable work location. YesNoHow many years of experience do you have working in 0→1 or early‑stage startup environments? *Your answerAre you legally authorized to work in the United States? *YesNoAI disclaimerThis application process may use AI-enabled systems to support candidate evaluation based on factors such as experience, technical skills, and qualifications. All processing is carried out in accordance with applicable data protection, AI governance, and labour laws. Human oversight is maintained at all stages, and final hiring decisions are made...