Digital Modem Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

Full Time

Hardware

Mid Level

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As a Digital Modem Design Engineer, you will lead the end-to-end development of advanced satellite and tactical communication systems, including waveform design, algorithm development, hardware implementation, testing, and performance optimization. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as FPGAs, SoCs, ADCs, and DACs, you will design and implement high-performance digital modems that support secure, reliable, and resilient communications in mission-critical environments. This role offers the opportunity to tackle complex engineering challenges and make key technical decisions while collaborating closely with RF engineers, embedded software developers, and system architects to advance the next generation of satellite and tactical waveform technologies.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Design Digital Modulators: Create and develop digital modulators specifically for satellite wireless communication systems, ensuring they meet required specifications and customer needs.
Utilize Digital Programmable Technology: Work with technologies such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), System on Chip (SoC), Analog to Digital Converters (ADC), and Digital to Analog Converters (DAC) to implement designs effectively.
Develop Tactical Waveforms: Design tactical waveforms, including Link-16, based on customer requirements, ensuring robust and reliable performance.
Implement on Hardware Platforms: Oversee the implementation of designs on various hardware platforms, ensuring proper functionality and performance.
Testing and Evaluation: Conduct testing and evaluation of modem performance, including system bring-up and design validation testing using RF test equipment and automated test systems.
Design and Simulation: Use tools such as Matlab/Simulink for design, simulation, performance analysis, and optimization of waveforms to meet project specifications.
Generate Documentation: Create comprehensive documentation for designs and processes, ensuring clarity and compliance during formal reviews.
Collaborate with Teams: Work successfully in a team environment, contributing to design reviews and collaborating with other engineers to ensure project success.
Agile Project Techniques: Apply Agile project management techniques to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining focus and timely completion.
Innovative Problem Solving: Rapidly develop innovative solutions to complex problems, enhancing the performance and reliability of designs.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

Digital Modem Design: Strong technological background in digital modem design, enabling the creation of effective communication systems.
RF and Microwave Components: Familiarity with RF and microwave components, including oscillators, mixers, attenuators, amplifiers, couplers, and isolators.
Embedded Integration: Experience with embedded processor and software integration, ensuring interoperability with digital designs.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Computer Science, Engineering, etc.) is required.
5 or more years of experience in digital modem design, waveform development, or related fields.
Must have a strong technological background in digital modem design.
Proficiency in Matlab, Simulink, VHDL/Verilog, and other signal processing and hardware design tools.
Experience with FPGAs, SoCs, ADCs, DACs, and embedded processor architectures.
Familiarity with Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave components: oscillators, mixers, attenuators, amplifiers, couplers, isolators, Printed Circuit Boards (PCB).
Ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize modem performance using RF test equipment.
Experience with embedded processor and software integration and interoperability with digital designs.
Familiarity with Agile project methodologies and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex technical challenges.
Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $116,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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Digital Modem Design Engineer

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