Senior Microwave Engineer, Space Systems

Umbra • Santa Barbara, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are actively seeking a highly skilled and innovative Microwave Engineer who brings extensive knowledge of waveguides, low-noise amplifier (LNA) assemblies and Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMAs). In this exciting and dynamic role, you will be involved with the design, simulation, testing and integration of advanced receiver and transmitter subsystems. These subsystems will encompass the full RF chains within our Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging constellation. This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics 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).
• Proficiency with RF lab equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and noise figure analyzers.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics 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.

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.
• Lead lab level testing and validation of new microwave assemblies.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as required.

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: Senior