RF/Microwave Engineer – Aerospace & Defense

BlackStar

Cypress, California

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Analysis Skills, Architectural Analysis, Communication Skills, Communication Systems, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Documentation, Documentation Design, Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetism, Electronic Warfare, HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator), Hardware Design, Hardware Development, High Reliability, High Reliability Software, Manufacturing, Microwaves, Oscilloscope, Performance Metrics, Power Amplifier, Problem Solving Skills, Product Design, Product Lifecycle, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Production Support, Prototyping, Quality Engineering, Radio Frequency, Root Cause Analysis, Satellite Communications, Simulation, Spectrum Analyzers, System Architecture, System Operations, Team Player, Test & Measurement Equipment, Test Design, Testing, Transmit/Receive Modules
LOCATION
Cypress, California
POSTED
2 days ago

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced RF Spatial Engineer to design, develop, and validate advanced RF and microwave subsystems used in aerospace, defense, and satellite communication applications. In this role, you will lead full-cycle RF hardware development—from system architecture and simulation to prototyping, testing, and production support. You will contribute directly to high-power, high-frequency systems operating in mission-critical environments with strict performance and reliability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop RF/microwave circuits and subsystems including SSPAs, BUCs, mixers, filters, synthesizers, converters, and T/R modules.
  • Architect and analyze quasi-optical and spatial power-combining systems.
  • Perform RF and electromagnetic simulations using tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS, and CST.
  • Translate system requirements into optimized, production-ready hardware designs.
  • Select, evaluate, and qualify RF components for high-power and high-reliability applications.
  • Develop and execute RF test plans and perform laboratory validation using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.
  • Characterize RF performance metrics including gain, efficiency, power, linearity, noise figure, stability, and thermal behavior.
  • Support full product lifecycle including design reviews, prototype builds, NPI, manufacturability, and production ramp-up.
  • Troubleshoot design, test, and production issues; provide root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and quality engineering).
  • Document design results, test reports, and engineering analyses.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in RF/microwave design, simulation, fabrication, and validation.
  • Strong experience designing and testing RF subsystems such as power amplifiers (including SSPAs), BUCs, filters, mixers, and converters.
  • Proficiency with RF test and measurement equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, oscilloscope).
  • Experience with RF simulation tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS, or CST.
  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, electromagnetics, and microwave system behavior.
  • Ability to analyze complex RF data and solve hardware performance issues.
  • Strong communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, satellite communications, EW (Electronic Warfare), or radar systems.
  • Experience with high-power RF design and spatial/quasi-optical power combining architectures.
  • Exposure to high-reliability or space-qualified hardware development environments.

Why This Role

This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced RF technologies that directly impact aerospace, defense, and satellite communication systems. You will work across the full engineering lifecycle, contributing to both innovation and production-ready hardware deployed in high-performance environments.

RF Engineer, Microwave Engineer, RF Design Engineer, SSPA, BUC, RF Systems, Microwave Circuits, ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, RF Testing, VNA, Spectrum Analyzer, Satellite Communications, Aerospace RF, Defense Electronics, Radar Systems, Electronic Warfare, High Power RF, T/R Modules

About the Company

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BlackStar