CA$152K – CA$180KSeniorFull Time
Principal RF Engineer
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.
You will inherit a working production geolocation system. This is not a greenfield research project. The algorithms exist, they run, and they produce results for real customers. Your job is to understand the existing system deeply, identify where performance is limited, and systematically improve it. Over time you will also extend the system with new measurement types and capabilities as mission requirements evolve.
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.
You will write code daily. Python is the primary tool for prototyping, simulation, data analysis, and algorithm validation. This is not a pure research position; the expectation is that you are building, testing, and iterating on working code, not producing papers.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Additional Qualifications
About the Team
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. You will work directly with the team lead who brings domain expertise in RF geolocation and defense customer requirements. The team operates remotely across multiple time zones.
Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.
Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-DC1
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.
Global Perks
🛰️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
🚀 Launch Attendance
🌴 Generous Time Off Policy
🎓 Education Assistance Program
🥰 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
📈 Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
👣 Family Leave
💪 Fitness Reimbursement
🧡 Employee Referral Program
🍉 Healthy snacks & beverages in every office
About Spire
We improve life on Earth with data from space.
Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.
Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.
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