Senior RF Engineer

About the role

The Senior RF Engineer will contribute to the development of electronic radio-frequency systems for space vehicle applications. This includes designing front-end RF signal-chain circuits and assemblies, stable low-phase noise oscillators and distribution networks, RF digitizer circuits and assemblies, and integrating these components with existing FPGA-based DSP functions.

Responsibilities

• Design front-end RF signal-chain circuits and assemblies for space vehicle communication and signal analysis systems using filters, amplifiers, mixers, couplers, impedance matching networks, and related components
• Design stable, low-phase noise oscillators and distribution networks
• Create sampling and frequency conversion plans for multi-GHz instantaneous bandwidth signals to satisfy communication system and signal analysis requirements
• Integrate front-end RF circuits, oscillators, and digitizer assemblies with existing FPGA-based DSP functions in order to satisfy communication system or signal analysis requirements
• Cooperate with project teams over the course of RF system development to establish technical requirements, perform system trade studies, conduct design reviews, and track delivery schedule
• Collaborate with RF group members and other SEAKR engineers to ensure that all multidisciplinary requirements can be satisfied in the assigned design projects
• Create engineering documentation according to SEAKR’s workflow
• Serve as a technical expert in at least one RF engineering specialty: front-end circuit design and analysis; oscillator and clock design and analysis; 3D EM field modeling of PCB transmission lines and structures; or design verification measurements

Qualifications

• BSEE or equivalent degree
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
• Understanding of RF circuit theory, including transmission line propagation and coupling
• Understanding of oscillator and clock circuit operation and key performance parameters
• Understanding of RF circuit and signal characterization and key performance parameters: Sij, Zij, Return Loss, Insertion Loss, SNR, SINAD, SFDR, ENOB, IMD3, NPR, and Noise Figure
• Understanding of sampling and signal processing in digital RF systems
• Understanding of printed circuit board fabrication and automated assembly processes
• Skills in schematic capture (Siemens Xpedition tools preferred)
• Skills in RF design and analysis skills using commercial EDA tools (Cadence/AWR Microwave Office or Keysight ADS preferred)
• Skills in 3D EM field modeling with CAD tools (Ansys SIwave & HFSS preferred)
• Skills in RF component and circuit verification measurements using multi-GHz VNAs, Spectrum Analyzers, Vector Signal Analyzers, Vector Signal Sources, and/or Phase Noise Analyzers
• Experience designing front-end RF receiver and transmitter circuits
• Experience designing clock generation and distribution circuits with low phase noise
• Experience designing local oscillator generation and distribution circuits with low phase noise
• Experience in RF circuit board layout and transmission line design
• Experience working in collaborative design where success depends on collective efforts
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in presenting briefings to internal technical leadership and/or external customers
• Experience designing direct-sampling or frequency-converting digital RF systems is a plus

Benefits

SEAKR offers a variety of benefits including:

• Rich medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• A generous 401(k) retirement plan
• A year-end bonus
• Paid leave, including vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA

Pay

Compensation: Base pay range is $130,000 - $185,000 depending on qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time