Microwave Electronics Design Engineer

Umbra • Santa Barbara, CA

1d

About The Position

We are actively seeking a highly skilled and innovative Microwave Electronics Design Engineer who brings extensive knowledge of low-noise amplifier (LNA) assemblies as well as Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMAs). In this exciting and dynamic role, you will be at the forefront of designing and integrating advanced receiver and transmitter subsystems. These subsystems will intricately combine essential components such as low-noise amplification, mixers, local oscillators, up/down conversion, and RF filtering. Your work will culminate in the creation of sleek, high-performance microwave assemblies that push the boundaries of technology and performance, contributing significantly to our mission of delivering top-tier solutions. 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 RF/microwave electronics architectures and design.
• Hands-on experience designing & building LNAs, mixers, and frequency-conversion stages.
• Proficiency with RF design and simulation tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, or similar).
• Experience with RF lab equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and noise figure analyzers.
• 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.
• Knowledge of image-reject, single-sideband, or multi-conversion architectures.
• Familiarity with LO distribution, phase noise budgeting, and spurious analysis.
• Experience with space, defense, or high-reliability RF systems.
• Understanding of manufacturability, screening, and environmental qualification.
• Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop LNAs and multi-function IMAs incorporating filtering, mixers, and frequency conversion stages.
• Architect RF signal chains for up-conversion and down-conversion, balancing noise figure, linearity, spurious performance, and gain.
• Design RF, IF, and LO paths including filters, couplers, and matching networks.
• Perform circuit-level and EM simulations of active and passive structures.
• Support layout, packaging, and integration of multi-chip and hybrid microwave assemblies.
• Lead prototype bring-up, test, and troubleshooting of IMAs across frequency, temperature, and power.
• Measure and analyze gain, noise figure, conversion loss, IP3, spurs, and phase noise.
• Collaborate with systems, digital, and mechanical teams to meet end-to-end RF requirements.
• Generate design documentation, ICDs, and verification 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 daily in office

What This Job Offers

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