RF Filter Design Engineer

CTS Corporation•Albuquerque, NM

23h•Onsite

About The Position

CTS is seeking an experienced RF Microwave Filter Design Engineer to join our New Product Development team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented engineer with a strong background in RF/microwave design, particularly in ceramic monoblock and dielectric resonator filters. You will play a key role in translating customer requirements into high-performance, manufacturable products for applications in telecommunications, defense, and high-reliability systems. The candidate must be able to work on-site in Albuquerque 5 days per week (M-F), with limited domestic travel (<10%).

Requirements

5+ years of hands-on experience in RF/microwave design, with significant focus on filter design (ceramic monoblock, dielectric resonator, or similar preferred).
Proficiency with RF/microwave simulation tools such as AWR (Microwave Office), CST, or Ansys HFSS.
Strong knowledge of RF ceramic filter theory, including dielectric materials, resonator coupling, and tuning techniques.
Hands-on experience with microwave test equipment, including vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, and power meters for S-parameter measurements, tuning, and validation.
Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.
Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, production operators, and customers.
Eligible to obtain/maintain a government security clearance (Secret or higher preferred).
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or related field; MS or PhD preferred.
5+ years of professional experience in RF/microwave engineering, with demonstrated success in filter design and product development (academic projects or internships may supplement but not replace professional experience).

Nice To Haves

Experience with ceramic processing methods (e.g., co-firing, metallization, laser/abrasion tuning) and high-reliability RF applications (defense, telecom, space).
Knowledge of planar circuitry (stripline, microstrip), lumped-element filters, impedance matching, and PCB design/layout for RF.
Programming/scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automation, data processing, or simulation post-processing.
Prior work on microwave filters in the 500 MHz–6 GHz range, including tolerance analysis, DFM (design for manufacturability), and yield optimization.

Responsibilities

Translate customer RF/microwave filter requirements (e.g., frequency range 500 MHz–6 GHz, insertion loss, return loss, rejection, power handling) into manufacturable designs that meet specifications and production goals.
Optimize electrode artwork (metallization patterns) on ceramic monoblocks to achieve performance targets while minimizing tuning time and maximizing yield.
Collect and analyze filter performance data (S-parameters, insertion/return loss, group delay, etc.); generate and maintain design documentation, including product datasheets, artwork drawings, material specifications, and tooling drawings.
Use electromagnetic (EM) simulation and filter design tools such as AWR (Microwave Office), CST, or Ansys HFSS to model filter responses, perform tolerance/yield analysis, and guide iterative design improvements.
Design supporting test circuits and PCBs (including layout considerations for impedance matching, grounding, and RF performance) to validate and tune filter prototypes.
Develop and document initial tuning methodologies for new designs; collaborate with production operators and manufacturing teams to refine processes for optimal yield and repeatability.
Perform sensitivity and tolerance analysis to ensure design robustness against manufacturing variations.
Support full product lifecycle: from concept and prototyping through production ramp-up, qualification, and customer delivery.
Work closely with materials engineers, production teams, and customers to resolve design and manufacturing issues.