RF/Microwave Hardware Engineer – High-Power RF Systems

Our client is seeking an RF Spatial Engineer is responsible for designing, simulating, validating, and supporting high‑power RF and microwave subsystems used in mission‑critical aerospace, defense, and satellite communication applications. This role spans the full product lifecycle—from concept development and electromagnetic simulation through hardware design, prototype characterization, and production support.

You will work closely with cross‑functional engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality teams to ensure designs meet stringent performance, reliability, and environmental requirements. Your work directly impacts the performance and long‑term reliability of high‑frequency, high‑power systems deployed in demanding operational environments.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | Relocation Assistance: Limited

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshooting — Diagnose and resolve RF/microwave design, test, reliability, and manufacturing issues.
• Component selection — Specify, source, and evaluate RF components for high‑power, high‑reliability applications.
• RF/microwave architecture — Design quasi‑optical and spatial power‑combining architectures for high‑power RF systems.
• Technology awareness — Stay current on emerging RF/microwave technologies and contribute to internal technology roadmaps.
• Documentation & reporting — Prepare design reports, test results, root‑cause analyses, and manufacturing support documentation.
• Cross‑functional collaboration — Work with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure designs are robust and production‑ready.
• NPI & production support — Support prototype builds, design reviews, manufacturability assessments, and issue resolution during production ramp‑up.
• Circuit & subsystem design — Architect and model RF/microwave circuits including SSPAs, BUCs, converters, synthesizers, filters, mixers, and T/R modules.
• Electromagnetic simulation — Perform EM, RF, and microwave simulations using ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, and translate results into optimized hardware designs.
• RF test & measurement — Develop test plans, configure measurement systems (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter), and characterize prototypes for gain, efficiency, noise figure, linearity, stability, and thermal behavior.

Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• Proficiency with RF simulation tools: ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Experience with high‑power RF subsystems such as SSPAs and BUCs.
• Strong mathematical foundation including calculus and spatial reasoning.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and comfortable in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to produce and interpret engineering documentation, test plans, and design reports.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering and manufacturing teams.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience designing, simulating, building, and validating RF/microwave hardware.
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment: VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, oscilloscope, power meter.

Preferred Skills:

• Background in high‑reliability or environmentally ruggedized RF hardware.
• Experience supporting NPI, production ramp, or manufacturability assessments
• Experience with aerospace, defense, satellite communications, EW, or radar systems.

Work Environment:

• Collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality teams.
• Occasional hands‑on lab work involving RF/microwave test equipment.