Senior RF Design Engineer FPGA

About the role

Quartermaster AI develops distributed open-ocean systems that use AI, distributed sensing, and resilient data systems to support maritime domain awareness. The role focuses on designing and developing a custom Software Defined Radio (SDR)-based subsystem for the Smartmast platform, an edge-deployed maritime sensing system.

This hands-on, cross-disciplinary role leads the electrical design of the SDR hardware stack, including schematic development, RF layout, PCB fabrication, integration with compute hardware, COTS part selection, and field validation. It requires an understanding of RF signal chains, mixed-signal design, EMI mitigation, and high-speed digital interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Design and document the electrical architecture for SDR-based modules, including custom or COTS SDRs, RF front-end, clocking, ADC/DAC interfaces, and host connectivity.
• Develop schematics and high-frequency PCB layouts optimized for signal integrity, low noise, and compact form factor in marine environments.
• Coordinate with software engineers to validate digital interfaces and ensure clean RF signal paths from antenna to baseband.
• Perform benchtop validation using spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and signal generators to benchmark performance and tune system characteristics.
• Support antenna integration, placement, and impedance matching with mechanical and system engineers.
• Assist with integration into the larger Smartmast system, coordinating with power, networking, and compute subsystems.

Requirements

• Preferred: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• Preferred: 6+ years of experience.

Key facts

• The role designs a custom SDR-based subsystem for the Smartmast platform.
• Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• The qualifications list 6+ years of experience as preferred.