Principal RF Design Engineer 6

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos company, is seeking a Principal RF Design Engineer to work onsite at either our San Jose, CA or Folsom, CA facility. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. develops transformative, affordable technology for United States National Security customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline and take pride in delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers.

About the role

As an RF & Microwave Solid State Power Amplifier Design Engineer, you will design and develop RF & Microwave solid state power amplifiers (SSPAs) from conceptual system-level design to device and component selection. You will prototype SSPAs at frequencies from 500 MHz to 100 GHz using GaN, GaAs, InP, and SiGe technologies. Products will operate in harsh environments for high-reliability aerospace & defense applications, including land-based, ship-board, airborne, and space platforms. This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• System-level block diagram development, cascade analysis, and physical/mechanical design to meet customer reliability and derating requirements.
• Design RF & microwave amplifier assemblies, analog control circuits, power supplies, power conditioning circuitry, and basic digital circuitry for command-and-control and fault sensing.
• Design RF matching networks using harmonic balance non-linear simulation, large signal models, and load-pull contours.
• Design for manufacturability, automated assembly, and test (DFMAT).
• Perform layout of MIC hybrid (chip-and-wire) modules and SMT PCBA assemblies using Cadence’s Microwave Office, AutoCAD, Altium, ORCAD, or Allegro.
• Support production personnel in the build, tuning, alignment, and test of SSPA products.
• Ensure on-time development and delivery of new products within budget, adhering to the Product Development Process stage gate process.
• Contribute to bid and proposal activities for new customer requirements.
• Apply RF and microwave circuit design expertise, including simulation and layout with tools such as Microwave Office, VSS, CST, Altium, and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrate strong practical bench skills with RF test equipment in a cleanroom lab environment (e.g., signal generators, network analyzers, VNAs/PNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes).

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years with a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Proficiency in RF and microwave circuit design, simulation, and layout using relevant CAD software.
• Strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment in a cleanroom lab environment.
• Experience designing for harsh environments and high-reliability applications in aerospace & defense.
• Knowledge of GaN, GaAs, InP, and SiGe device technologies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-functional team.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position based in either San Jose, CA or Folsom, CA. The role involves a 50/50 split between a cubicle office environment for computer-aided design work and a cleanroom lab for hands-on electronics hardware development. Infrequent travel (~10%) may be required for customer or supplier visits.

Pay

Salary range: $140,000 – $200,000 per year.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.