Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer
About The Position
Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions – The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne RF systems. In this role, you will lead the end-to-end design, analysis, and optimization of high-performance RF components—including antennas, antenna feed networks, orthomode transducers (OMTs), waveguide components, circulators, and other passive microwave devices—enabling precision RF front-end performance for mission-critical applications. This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA office.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
- 5-8+ years of professional experience in RF/microwave engineering.
- Strong foundation in antenna theory, waveguide theory, ferrite and passive microwave device theory.
- Demonstrated experience designing and building antennas, OMTs, waveguide-based components, and circulators.
- Proficiency with 3D EM simulation tools (HFSS, CST, FEKO, or equivalent).
- Hands-on experience with RF and antenna measurement techniques.
- 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, Applied Physics, or a related field.
- 12+ years of professional experience in RF/microwave engineering.
- Experience with multi-band, dual-polarized, or wideband antenna systems.
- Knowledge of horn, reflector, array, or feed network architectures.
- Familiarity with ferrite materials, magnetic biasing, and non-reciprocal device behavior.
- Experience with spaceborne, airborne, or ground-based antenna and RF front-end systems.
- Understanding of environmental qualification and high-reliability passive RF design.
Responsibilities
- Design and analyze antennas and antenna feed systems including feed horns, waveguide feeds, and polarization networks.
- Design, optimize, and validate orthomode transducers with high isolation, low loss, and broadband performance.
- Develop waveguide components such as transitions, bends, twists, couplers, filters, power dividers, and circulators.
- Perform passive RF and antenna analysis including impedance matching, isolation, insertion loss, and polarization.
- Conduct full-wave EM simulations of passive and antenna structures using 3D EM tools.
- Perform tolerance, thermal, and mechanical sensitivity analyses for precision passive hardware.
- Support fabrication, inspection, and RF testing of passive components, circulators, and antenna assemblies.
- Measure and analyze S-parameters, isolation, return loss, insertion loss, and antenna radiation characteristics.
- Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and integration teams to ensure RF performance, robustness, and manufacturability.
- Generate detailed design documentation, drawings, and verification/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 daily in office
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
