Phased Array Frontend Engineer, Architecture & Simulation

Location: San Diego, CA

About the role

Architect and simulate phased array front-end performance for both D2D and broadband Ka-band satellite payloads. Define front-end architecture (Tx and Rx chains), build predictive models to verify architectural choices, and confirm system requirements are met through simulation-based verification.

Responsibilities

• Define front-end architecture: Tx/Rx chain topology, component partitioning, gain/power/NF distribution, PA/LNA placement and specification
• Verify architecture meets system-level requirements through simulation: EIRP, G/T, OOBE, sensitivity, dynamic range
• Build and maintain PA and LNA behavioral models to predict array-level performance
• Validate DPD/APT architectural decisions through closed-loop simulation
• Perform architecture trade studies: efficiency vs. linearity, noise vs. gain distribution, single-vs-multi-stage, back-off allocation
• Support hardware verification by correlating measured component data to architectural models

Hardware Knowledge Required

• Front-End Architecture
  • Tx/Rx chain architecture definition: gain staging, power budget, NF allocation, linearity allocation
  • PA specification derivation: Psat, P1dB, PAE, OIP3 targets from system EIRP/ACLR requirements
  • LNA specification derivation: NF, gain, IP3, stability margin targets from system G/T and interference requirements
  • Architecture partitioning: front-end vs. beamformer boundary, IF vs. RF beamforming implications on front-end
  • Multi-temperature architecture margin: performance budgets at 25°C/50°C/85°C corner cases
• Transmit Chain Modeling
  • Nonlinear PA behavioral models (Volterra, memory polynomial, Rapp, Saleh), AM-AM/AM-PM, thermal derating
  • DPD architecture verification: LUT, GMP, convergence performance, coefficient stability
  • ET/APT: supply modulator modeling, efficiency vs. linearity tradeoffs
  • OOBE: spectral regrowth, ACLR/ACPR, spectral mask compliance (3GPP NTN, ITU)
  • Tx array performance: beam-dependent EIRP, active element patterns, scan loss, cross-factor
• Receive Chain Modeling
  • LNA noise modeling: NF vs. frequency/temperature/bias, noise parameters (NFmin, Γopt, Rn)
  • NF cascade: multi-stage noise figure, gain distribution, system noise temperature
  • Receiver sensitivity: MDS, SNR budget from antenna to ADC
  • Interference tolerance: blocker desensitization, IMD3/IMD5, receiver intermodulation
  • Rx array performance: G/T, beam-dependent sensitivity, noise correlation
• Array-Level Architecture Verification
  • Active element patterns, mutual coupling, scan loss, grating lobe analysis
  • Beamforming: beam weight application, quantization effects, multi-beam interference
  • Cross-pol and cross-factor: inter-element coupling, polarization purity vs. scan
  • Architectural verification: confirming component specs roll up to meet system performance
• Regulatory & Compliance
  • 3GPP NR NTN emission masks, ITU RR Article 22 EPFD limits
  • Co-existence analysis, sensitivity/selectivity requirements

Skills

• MATLAB/Simulink: PA/LNA behavioral modeling, DPD algorithm simulation, Tx/Rx link budget tools, array performance Monte Carlo, architecture trade study frameworks
• Python: Signal processing, batch simulation automation, data pipeline, trade study scripting
• Keysight ADS: Harmonic balance, X-parameter models, load-pull simulation, noise analysis, circuit-level architecture validation
• 3GPP waveform tools: OFDM/SC-FDMA, ACLR/EVM, spectral mask verification

Not required for this role: Antenna element EM design (HFSS, CST), PCB layout tools (Allegro, Altium), FPGA/RTL design, Mechanical CAD, Manufacturing/NPI/yield, Package physical design

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in EE (RF, Communications, or Signal Processing)
• 5+ years RF front-end architecture and simulation experience
• Expert MATLAB/Simulink user for behavioral modeling and system simulation
• Experience defining PA/LNA specifications from system requirements
• Tx and Rx chain analysis (OOBE/ACLR + NF/sensitivity)
• Phased array front-end architectural tradeoff experience
• Familiarity with 3GPP NR or satellite communication standards

Preferred:

• Multi-band architecture experience (cellular frequencies + Ka-band)
• DPD/APT architecture definition and simulation
• NTN or satellite direct-to-device system experience
• Experience correlating architectural predictions with measured hardware data

Deliverables

• Front-end architecture specification (Tx and Rx) for D2D and broadband Ka
• PA/LNA behavioral model library for architectural verification
• Architecture trade study reports with performance predictions
• Simulation-based verification that architecture meets system requirements
• DPD/APT architecture recommendation with supporting analysis
• Component specification documents derived from system requirements

Benefits

• Supplemental benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• 401K program with company match after 12 months of tenure
• Health Savings Account (HSA) on the HDHP plan
• SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions
• Corporate discount savings program and other discounts
• On-demand training program, access to certification prep, and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars after 6+ months of tenure
• Certification discounts and perks for associations including CompTIA and IIBA
• Dedicated customer service team and certified Career Coach