Senior RF Engineer

TLDR

Contribute to the development of electronic radio-frequency systems for space vehicle applications, while leading design projects and mentoring junior engineers.

Seeking a talented and highly motivated RF Design Engineer that will contribute to the development of electronic radio-frequency systems for space vehicle applications.

The Senior RF Engineer will:

  • Design front-end RF signal-chain circuits and assemblies for space vehicle communication and signal analysis systems using filters, amplifiers, mixers, couplers, impedance matching networks, and related components
  • Design stable, low-phase noise oscillators and distribution networks
  • Design RF digitizer circuits and assemblies using multi-GSPS ADC/DAC components
  • Create sampling and frequency conversion plans for multi-GHz instantaneous bandwidth signals to satisfy communication system and signal analysis requirements
  • Integrate front-end RF circuits, oscillators, and digitizer assemblies with existing FPGA-based DSP functions in order to satisfy communication system or signal analysis requirements
  • Cooperate with project teams over the course of RF system development to establish technical requirements, perform system trade studies, conduct design reviews, and track delivery schedule
  • Collaborate with RF group members and other SEAKR engineers to ensure that all multidisciplinary requirements can be satisfied in the assigned design projects
  • Create engineering documentation according to SEAKR’s workflow
  • Support PCB layout engineers to ensure circuit boards will meet RF performance requirements
  • Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models
  • Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts of questionable RF hardware identified during test
  • Contribute analyses and design alternatives to product and program proposals
  • Interact with SEAKR customers to address RF requirements, trades, and constraints
  • Effectively balance time spent on multiple concurrent assignments
  • Provide training and guidance to less experienced RF engineers at SEAKR
  • Take leadership role within RF Engineering Group to improve hardware development processes
  • Create clear reports and deliver summary presentations to product and project leadership
  • Serve as a technical expert in at least one RF engineering specialty: front-end circuit design and analysis; oscillator and clock design and analysis; 3D EM field modeling of PCB transmission lines and structures; or design verification measurements
  • BSEE or equivalent degree
  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience 
  • Understanding of RF circuit theory, including transmission line propagation and coupling
  • Understanding of oscillator and clock circuit operation and key performance parameters
  • Understanding of RF circuit and signal characterization and key performance parameters: Sij, Zij, Return Loss, Insertion Loss, SNR, SINAD, SFDR, ENOB, IMD3, NPR, and Noise Figure
  • Understanding of sampling and signal processing in digital RF systems
  • Understanding of printed circuit board fabrication and automated assembly processes
  • Skills in schematic capture (Siemens Xpedition tools preferred)
  • Skills in RF design and analysis skills using commercial EDA tools (Cadence/AWR Microwave Office or Keysight ADS preferred)
  • Skills in 3D EM field modeling with CAD tools (Ansys SIwave & HFSS preferred)
  • Skills in RF component and circuit verification measurements using multi-GHz VNAs, Spectrum Analyzers, Vector Signal Analyzers, Vector Signal Sources, and/or Phase Noise Analyzers
  • Experience designing front-end RF receiver and transmitter circuits
  • Experience designing clock generation and distribution circuits with low phase noise
  • Experience designing local oscillator generation and distribution circuits with low phase noise
  • Experience in RF circuit board layout and transmission line design
  • Experience working in collaborative design where success depends on collective efforts
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience in presenting briefings to internal technical leadership and/or external customers
  • Experience designing direct-sampling or frequency-converting digital RF systems is a plus

Compensation: Base pay range is $130,000 - $185,000 depending on qualifications. SEAKR has very rich medical, dental and vision insurance plans, along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for a year-end bonus. SEAKR offers a variety of paid leave, such as vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA.

SEAKR is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

US Citizenship Required

Applications will be accepted until 4/10/26

Benefits

Equity Compensation

along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan.

Health Insurance

SEAKR has very rich medical, dental and vision insurance plans.

Paid Time Off

SEAKR offers a variety of paid leave, such as vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA.

SEAKR Engineering builds advanced electronics specifically designed for space applications. Targeting the aerospace sector, we innovate to push the boundaries of technology, contributing to transformative solutions that elevate satellite systems and space exploration.

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Salary
$130,000 – $185,000 per year
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