RF Spatial Engineer – RF Design & Microwave Systems

Location: CA
Industry: Defense & Space
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (3+ Years)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled RF Spatial Engineer with strong hands-on expertise in RF design, microwave systems, and RF hardware validation. This role focuses on the end-to-end development of advanced RF and microwave subsystems used in mission-critical aerospace, defense, and satellite communication applications.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in RF designing, testing, and validating high-performance systems, including SSPA (Solid State Power Amplifiers) and BUC (Block Upconverters), along with strong proficiency in RF measurement and simulation tools.

You will contribute to the full product lifecycle—from concept and simulation through prototype testing, integration, production support, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced RF and microwave subsystems, including power amplifiers, converters, mixers, filters, synthesizers, and T/R modules.
• Develop and analyze quasi-optical and spatial power combining architectures for high-power RF systems.
• Perform RF, microwave, and electromagnetic simulations using:
  • ADS (Advanced Design System)
  • AWR Microwave Office
  • HFSS
  • CST Studio Suite
• Design, simulate, and optimize RF circuits for performance, efficiency, stability, and thermal behavior.
• Conduct RF system characterization including gain, power, linearity, noise figure, efficiency, and reliability testing.
• Operate RF test equipment including:
  • Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
  • Spectrum Analyzers
  • Signal Generators
  • Power Meters
  • Oscilloscopes
• Develop detailed test plans, validation procedures, and technical documentation.
• Support prototype builds, integration testing, and production ramp-up activities (NPI support).
• Perform root cause analysis and troubleshooting of RF design, manufacturing, and performance issues.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to ensure design manufacturability and system reliability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to RF technology roadmaps.
• Provide technical input for design reviews, failure analysis, and corrective actions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3+ years of direct experience in RF design, testing, and validation.
• Hands-on experience with RF and microwave circuit design and subsystem development.
• Strong experience working with RF measurement equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters).
• Proven experience in RF hardware development and system-level integration.

Technical Skills (Must-Have)

• RF & Microwave Design Engineering
• RF Circuit Simulation & Modeling
• SSPA (Solid State Power Amplifier) Design & Testing
• BUC (Block Upconverter) Systems
• ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST
• RF Testing & Measurement
• Signal Processing & Microwave Systems
• VNA Calibration and Measurement Techniques
• Spectrum Analysis & Signal Characterization

Preferred Experience

• Experience in Electronic Warfare (EW) systems
• Radar system development experience
• Aerospace, defense, or satellite communications background
• Experience with high-power RF system design
• NPI (New Product Introduction) and production support experience

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and mathematical ability (calculus & spatial reasoning)
• High attention to detail and design accuracy
• Ability to work in fast-paced, mission-critical environments
• Strong ownership mindset and accountability
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Work Environment

• On-site role in an advanced engineering and testing environment
• Exposure to RF labs, microwave test systems, and prototype hardware
• Collaboration with multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Defense-grade quality and reliability standards

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting-edge RF and microwave technologies for aerospace and defense applications
• Direct impact on mission-critical communication systems
• Hands-on work with advanced RF simulation and test equipment
• Strong technical growth opportunities in high-power RF engineering