Microwave Electronics Design Engineer, High Power Amplifiers

Umbra • Arlington, VA

6h • Onsite

About The Position

We are actively seeking a highly skilled and innovative Microwave Design Engineer who possesses specialized expertise in high power RF/microwave amplifiers. In this pivotal role, you will be integral to the entire lifecycle of our projects, encompassing the design, development, qualification, and system integration of state-of-the-art transmitter hardware. Your contributions will focus on and enhance our capabilities with both solid-state and vacuum-based High Power Amplifiers (HPAs), which are essential components operating within the microwave and millimeter-wave spectrum. These amplifiers are engineered for demanding and sophisticated applications, and your role will require you to tackle technical challenges with creativity and precision, ensuring the delivery of high-performance solutions in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office, Arlington, VA office, or Reston, VA office (coming soon).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5-8+ years of professional experience in RF, microwave, or mixed-signal electronics design, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability applications.
• Strong background in microwave amplifier theory and nonlinear RF design.
• Hands-on experience with high-power devices (e.g., GaN HEMTs).
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST).
• Proficiency with schematic capture, RF layout, and configuration control (e.g., Altium).
• Experience with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, power meters, load-pull systems).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of professional experience in RF, microwave, or mixed-signal electronics design, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability applications.
• Experience with space, defense, or high-reliability systems.
• Knowledge of power combining techniques and high-voltage biasing.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD or space qualification processes.
• Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize high power RF/microwave amplifier architectures (SSPA, GaN, GaAs, or TWT-based as applicable).
• Perform nonlinear circuit design, load-pull analysis, and efficiency optimization.
• Conduct detailed thermal, stability, and reliability analyses for high-power operation.
• Lead schematic capture, EM/circuit co-simulation, and layout of high-power RF assemblies.
• Support prototype build, test, and troubleshooting, including power compression, IMD, and harmonic performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing teams to ensure producible designs.
• Author technical documentation, design reviews, and test reports.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free Parking
• Free lunch in office daily

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees