RF Hardware Engineer

CX2

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El Segundo, CA on site Until 8/21/2026 First posted February 4, 2026 Last posted February 4, 2026
Job description
CX2 is a next-generation defense technology company founded to deliver spectrum dominance for the United States and our allies. CX2’s AI-enabled hardware and software platforms detect, disrupt and defend the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air, sea and space domains.

CX2 is seeking a skilled RF Hardware Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing, testing and building RF Systems (Tx / Rx) for RF signals (ex. communications, RADAR, navigation) UHF through X-Band.
 
This role requires an onsite presence in our El Segundo, CA HQ; a remote work environment is not considered for this opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, validate & deliver RF payload subsystems: Design, Integration and Testing of Antennas, RF front ends, SDRs and provide validation of operation. Support development and analysis of RF performance metrics.
  • Own requirements, ICDs, and verification from concept through delivery
  • Stay current: Track and insert advances in relevant technologies, SDRs, RF Systems, RF machine learning, and PNT.

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • Antenna and receiver design across analog/RF/mixed-signal domains: mixers, PLLs/LOs, gain/linearity/noise trades; ability to turn simulations into reality.
  • Channelizers & wideband architectures: filter banks, analog/digital down conversion, sample-rate planning, clocking/synchronization.
  • Willingness to support critical test events that occasionally require extended hours/weekends
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Must be a U.S. Person (see ITAR Regulations below) due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities

Bonus Points

  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years’ experience with EW subsystems and payloads
  • EA/ECM technique design (deception, Digital RF Memory, coherent/non-coherent techniques)
  • Digital Signal processing: Design characterize and deliver channelizers, wideband detection/classification, MIMO/digital-arrays, and algorithms in MATLAB/Python/C++
  • Communication / Waveform system design
  • RF machine learning for emitter ID, modulation/classification, anomaly detection, PDW creation
  • Tools Experience: ADS/AWR/SystemVue, MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), GNU Radio/SDR (USRP/RFSoC), VITA-49; HDL/firmware experience; also helpful (Vivado/Quartus/Libero).
  • Clearance: Active Secret or ability to obtain and maintain; TS/SCI eligibility preferred. ITAR/EAR-controlled work. Learn more about Security Clearances here.
  • Field work: supporting periodic travel for flight tests and customer demonstrations/support
  • Mindset: Builder-tester who loves first-principles RF, rapid lab iteration, and getting hardware flying fast

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary, stock options and benefits, including health, vision and dental.
  • 401K enrollment at 90 days.
  • Generous PTO + most Federal Holidays observed.
  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  • Access to the latest tools and technologies.
  • High levels of responsibility and autonomy.
  • Professional growth and development opportunities.
  • Access to the hardest problems in electronic warfare.

ITAR Regulations

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a US Citizen, Green Card holder, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. 
CX2 is a next-generation defense technology company securing spectrum dominance for the United States and its allies. We build AI-enabled hardware and software platforms to detect, disrupt, and defend the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air, sea, and space. Our systems are deployed in the most contested operational environments in the world. We’re backed by leading venture investors in the defense ecosystem and led by founders with track records at Meta, SpaceX, Epirus, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Equal Opportunity Employer
CX2 is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in compliance with the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

To view CX2's privacy policy, please visit: https://www.cx2.com/privacy

Compensation (from employer):
160000–200000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Design, test, and develop RF systems, antennas, and hardware for defense applications.

Job title

RF Hardware Engineer

Experience level

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering or related; 5+ years preferred

Industry

defense

Location requirements

onsite in El Segundo, CA; remote not allowed

Salary

160000–200000 USD per year

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

RF systemsantenna designdigital signal processingsecurity clearanceU.S. Person

Preferred skills

PhDEW subsystemschannelizersmodulation/classificationtools experience

Specializations

RF systemsantenna designdigital signal processingRF machine learningwaveform system design
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

El Segundo, CA, USA

On-site City
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