Spire

Spire

Principal RF Engineer

Cambridge, Ontario, Canada · Principal

Sponsorship not specified$152k-$180kDetected 2 days ago
PythonC++Full-Stack DevelopmentAlgorithmsData AnalysisAccountingAerospace EngineeringElectrical EngineeringSignal ProcessingSensorsResearchCommunicationRemote Sensing

About the role

  • You will own the mathematical and physical foundations of one of the few operational commercial space-based RF geolocation systems in active customer use today. The core problem: estimating the position of RF emitters using time difference of arrival (TDOA), frequency difference of arrival (FDOA), and angle of arrival (AoA) measurements collected by a
  • constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. You will formulate estimation problems, develop and validate algorithms, characterize error sources, and drive performance improvements across all three measurement domains.

Responsibilities

  • Own and continuously improve TDOA, FDOA, and AoA geolocation algorithms from mathematical first principles through to working prototype implementations.
  • Develop deep understanding of the existing production geolocation codebase. Identify design assumptions, performance bottlenecks, and areas where the underlying math can be strengthened.
  • Reason across the full sensing chain: from collection geometry and onboard constraints through estimation algorithms to operational product performance. Own the end-to-end understanding of how system-level decisions affect geolocation accuracy.
  • Develop and improve calibration approaches for timing, frequency, antenna, and geometry alignment across a multi-use distributed satellite constellation.
  • Conduct performance analysis: derive theoretical bounds, run Monte Carlo simulations, and validate against real satellite data.
  • Translate validated algorithm improvements into specifications that software engineers implement in production systems. Review those implementations for correctness.
  • Document algorithms, assumptions, and performance characteristics with sufficient rigor for defense customer technical review.
  • You will own the mathematical and physical foundations of one of the few operational commercial space-based RF geolocation systems in active customer use today.
  • You will formulate estimation problems, develop and validate algorithms, characterize error sources, and drive performance improvements across all three measurement domains.
  • The work cycle is not "design an algorithm and hand it off."

Requirements

  • Demonstrated ability to go from problem formulation to working code.
  • Python proficiency required
  • Comfort working with imperfect real-world datasets where calibration is incomplete, truth data is sparse, and operational constraints demand pragmatic tradeoffs.
  • Ability to read and understand an existing algorithmic codebase built by someone else, and to work within and improve that system rather than rewrite it.
  • Understanding of, or demonstrated ability to rapidly learn, RF propagation physics and the signal models underlying TDOA, FDOA, and AoA estimation.
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics concepts sufficient to incorporate satellite position and velocity into geolocation models.
  • Ability to read, understand, and critically evaluate published research in signal processing and geolocation.

Nice to have

  • Background in SIGINT, electronic warfare, passive radar, or GNSS signal processing.
  • C++ reading proficiency sufficient to review and validate production implementations of your algorithms.
  • Prior work in a defense, intelligence, or aerospace context.
  • Experience with spaceborne RF systems, phased array antennas, or LEO satellite constellations.
  • You will join a small, focused RF geolocation team that includes experienced software engineers handling full-stack and embedded implementation.
  • Your role is the algorithmic and scientific core.
  • The team operates remotely across multiple time zones.
  • Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role.

Skills

  • Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees.

Compensation

  • The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below.
  • Final base salary for this role will be based on the location, skills, experience and qualifications.

Company info

  • You will work directly with the team lead who brings domain expertise in RF geolocation and defense customer requirements.
  • Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.
  • The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below.
  • Final base salary for this role will be based on the location, skills, experience and qualifications.
  • In addition to base compensation, this role may be eligible for annual equity awards and our employee benefits program, including vacation, sick, and personal time off; optional medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a Registered Retirement Savings Plan; health and wellness reimbursement program; and participation in Spire's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
  • We reserve the right to go outside of the range and/or modify the range or benefits at any time.
  • Canada Salary Range
  • $152,000 - $180,000 CAD
  • Global Perks
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This listing is sourced directly from Spire's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.