Senior RF Engineer

About the role

Seeking a talented and highly motivated RF Design Engineer to contribute to the development of electronic radio-frequency systems for space vehicle applications. The Senior RF Engineer will push the boundaries of technology on a mission to change the world for the better from space.

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
• Design RF digitizer circuits and assemblies using multi-GSPS ADC/DAC components
• 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 to satisfy communication system or signal analysis requirements
• Cooperate with project teams 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 multidisciplinary requirements are satisfied in assigned design projects
• Create engineering documentation according to SEAKR’s workflow
• Support PCB layout engineers to ensure circuit boards meet RF performance requirements
• Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models
• Perform worst-case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures
• Lead troubleshooting efforts of questionable RF hardware identified during test
• Contribute analyses and design alternatives to product and program proposals
• Interact with SEAKR customers to address RF requirements, trades, and constraints
• Effectively balance time spent on multiple concurrent assignments
• Provide training and guidance to less experienced RF engineers at SEAKR
• Take leadership role within RF Engineering Group to improve hardware development processes
• Create clear reports and deliver summary presentations to product and project leadership
• 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
  • Design verification measurements

Requirements

• 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

• Schematic capture (Siemens Xpedition tools preferred)
• RF design and analysis using commercial EDA tools (Cadence/AWR Microwave Office or Keysight ADS preferred)
• 3D EM field modeling with CAD tools (Ansys SIwave & HFSS preferred)
• RF component and circuit verification measurements using:
  • Multi-GHz VNAs
  • Spectrum Analyzers
  • Vector Signal Analyzers
  • Vector Signal Sources
  • 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 presenting briefings to internal technical leadership and/or external customers
• Experience designing direct-sampling or frequency-converting digital RF systems is a plus

Benefits

• Rich medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan
• Year-end bonus eligibility
• Variety of paid leave: vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA

Pay

Base pay range is $130,000 – $185,000 depending on qualifications.