Principal RF Engineer
Spire Global
· Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
· May 13, 2026
Principal RF Engineer
Responsibilities:
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This is a hands-on, iterative role operating on real-world data with all its imperfections. Calibration is incomplete. Truth data is sparse. Operational constraints require pragmatic engineering tradeoffs. You will spend significant time examining real geolocation outputs, diagnosing performance issues, refining algorithms based on what the data shows, and shipping incremental improvements. The work cycle is not "design an algorithm and hand it off." It is: analyze outputs, identify the limiting error source, develop or refine an algorithmic solution, validate it against data, and repeat. You will work alongside software engineers who handle production implementation and infrastructure; your role is to ensure the algorithms are correct, well-understood, and continuously improving.
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Own and continuously improve TDOA, FDOA, and AoA geolocation algorithms from mathematical first principles through to working prototype implementations.
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Develop deep understanding of the existing production geolocation codebase. Identify design assumptions, performance bottlenecks, and areas where the underlying math can be strengthened.
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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.
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Develop and improve calibration approaches for timing, frequency, antenna, and geometry alignment across a multi-use distributed satellite constellation.
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Analyze geolocation outputs against ground truth and known emitter positions to identify systematic errors, performance regressions, and improvement opportunities.
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Model and characterize error sources: satellite ephemeris uncertainty, clock drift, ionospheric/tropospheric propagation effects, multipath, antenna calibration, and receiver noise.
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Incorporate orbital mechanics into signal models, accounting for satellite motion, Doppler dynamics, and constellation geometry.
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Conduct performance analysis: derive theoretical bounds, run Monte Carlo simulations, and validate against real satellite data.
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Translate validated algorithm improvements into specifications that software engineers implement in production systems. Review those implementations for correctness.
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Comfort working with imperfect real-world datasets where calibration is incomplete, truth data is sparse, and operational constraints demand pragmatic tradeoffs.
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Comfort with iterative, data-driven development: you examine outputs, form hypotheses about what is limiting performance, implement fixes, and measure the result.
Requirements:
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Investigate and resolve anomalies in geolocation outputs by tracing errors back through the signal processing and estimation chain.
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Document algorithms, assumptions, and performance characteristics with sufficient rigor for defense customer technical review.
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Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in electrical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field, with thesis or research work in estimation theory, statistical signal processing, or a related discipline.
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Strong mathematical foundation in estimation and detection theory, linear algebra, probability, and optimization.
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Direct experience with TDOA, FDOA, AoA, or hybrid geolocation techniques.
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Background in SIGINT, electronic warfare, passive radar, or GNSS signal processing.
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Experience with SAR, InSAR, or other radar remote sensing (the estimation theory and signal processing fundamentals transfer directly).
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Experience developing or improving calibration routines for distributed RF systems.
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C++ reading proficiency sufficient to review and validate production implementations of your algorithms.
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Prior work in a defense, intelligence, or aerospace context.
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Experience with spaceborne RF systems, phased array antennas, or LEO satellite constellations.
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About the Team
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- Company
- Spire Global
- Location
- Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Job Type
- Full-time
- Category
- RF / Microwave
- Posted
- May 13, 2026
- Source
- Original posting ↗