We are a design and engineering recruitment agency in search of a Microwave Engineer for our client who is a pioneering aerospace company revolutionizing global connectivity. They design, build, test, and operate advanced broadband internet systems through a comprehensive infrastructure of rockets, spacecraft, and satellites. Their innovative approach delivers high-speed internet access to even the most remote corners of the globe. Be part of a team pushing the boundaries of technology while delivering reliable and cutting-edge solutions that connect the world.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
As a Microwave Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing advanced RFICs for deployment in our space and ground infrastructure. Your expertise in microwave circuit design and RF systems will contribute directly to the performance and reliability of global broadband networks. Key responsibilities include:
- RF System Design:
- Simulate and model RF front-end systems, collaborating with system architects, modem/DSP engineers, and ASIC teams to partition functions between hardware and software domains.
- Derive detailed RF hardware specifications for RF systems and individual RF blocks.
- Microwave Circuit Development:
- Design and develop RF/microwave circuits, components, MMICs, boards, and packages, focusing on linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, and PLLs.
- Develop and optimize RF passive components and antenna systems with a focus on Ku, Ka, V, and E-band frequency ranges.
- Testing and Characterization:
- Evaluate and characterize RF prototypes, components, and full radio performance using advanced lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.
- Develop and implement automated test equipment (ATE) and software (Python, LabVIEW) for lab measurements and production testing.
- Collaboration & Production Support:
- Work with manufacturing engineers to design and execute production testing of RF avionics components and systems.
- Assist in troubleshooting and performance optimization of RF systems in the production environment.
- System Analysis:
- Perform detailed analysis of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques, and modulation types (QPSK, APSK, QAM).
- Characterize system noise figure, bit error rate, and electromagnetic propagation.
Education
- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline with emphasis on RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory.
- A Ph.D. in a relevant field is strongly preferred.
Required Skills and Experience
- Circuit Design & Development:
- Extensive experience designing linear and non-linear circuits, including power amplifiers, LNAs, mixers, filters, and PLLs.
- Deep understanding of RF passive components and electromagnetic propagation.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Proficiency in RF/microwave design tools such as ADS, HFSS, AWR, or similar software.
- Expertise in schematic capture and PCB layout using tools like Altium Designer or equivalent.
- Strong programming skills in Matlab, Python, C++, or equivalent for modeling and analyzing RF systems.
- Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, etc.).
- Communication Systems Knowledge:
- Thorough understanding of digital communication theory and modulation techniques (QPSK, APSK, QAM).
- Proven ability to characterize and analyze radio performance at microwave frequencies.
- Frequency Range Expertise:
- Significant experience with RF/microwave design in Ku, Ka, V, and E-band frequency ranges.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in developing and characterizing RF avionics components for space and ground-based applications.
- Familiarity with digital beamforming, active antenna systems, and satellite communication standards.
- Strong understanding of bit error rate analysis, system noise figure characterization, and signal-to-noise ratio optimization.
- Advanced knowledge of antenna systems and electromagnetic propagation.
