Amplifier Design Engineer

Elve, Inc.; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Vacation time

Startup exposure

Access to cutting‑edge vacuum tech

Job summary

Elve, Inc in Davis, CA is seeking an amplifier design engineer to drive design and optimization of RF power amplifiers from concept through prototyping and testing.

You will work with a team of engineers and technical experts to select materials, run simulations, and ensure successful integration into production in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in RF/microwave design and simulation software (HFSS, CST).
• Experience in designing and characterizing vacuum RF power amplifiers (e.g., TWT).
• Solid understanding of amplifier architectures and circuit theory.
• Hands-on RF test equipment experience (network analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Detail-oriented with strong problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize RF power amplifiers in collaboration with engineers.
• Conduct simulations and prototype testing through production integration.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and test teams to ensure design feasibility.

Skills

RF/microwave design

HFSS CST

RF test equipment

analytical skills

team collaboration

self-motivated

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

HFSS

CST

network analyzers

oscilloscopes

Job description

Who is Elve?

Elve, Inc is a deep‑tech startup in Davis, CA, specializing in the design and manufacturing of high‑efficiency lightweight millimeter‑wave and near‑THz RF power amplifiers. Our groundbreaking technology enables 100x faster wireless internet access in urban settings and remote locations, revolutionizing the future of wireless connectivity well beyond 5G.

We are looking for an amplifier design engineer to play a pivotal role in developing our innovative products. If you are passionate about RF design, eager to tackle challenges in high‑frequency circuits, and want to work in a dynamic team environment, we can’t wait to meet you!

Job Description

The amplifier design engineer will be responsible for the design and optimization of RF power amplifiers in collaboration with a team of engineers and technical experts. The role encompasses the complete design process, from conceptualization to prototyping and testing. Key responsibilities include conducting simulations, designing RF components, selecting appropriate materials for high‑frequency applications, and collaborating closely with manufacturing and test teams to ensure successful integration of designs into production.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing facility
• ISO 5 – ISO 7 Cleanroom
• Laboratory
• Machine shop
• Warehouse
• Office

Requirements

Must have:

• Proficiency in RF/microwave design and simulation software (e.g., HFSS, CST)
• Experience in designing and characterizing vacuum RF power amplifiers (e.g., TWT)
• Solid understanding of amplifier architectures and circuit theory
• Strong analytical skills to analyze circuit performance and troubleshoot issues
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment (e.g., network analyzers, oscilloscopes)
• Detail‑oriented with excellent problem‑solving abilities
• Great communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment
• Self‑motivated and adaptable

Good to have:

• Experience with high‑frequency circuit design and fabrication techniques
• Knowledge of thermal management in RF applications
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Experience with in‑depth modeling and simulation of RF components
• Familiarity with testing protocols for RF amplifiers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant engineering experience in vacuum amplifier device design
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with at least 4 years of relevant engineering experience in vacuum amplifier device design
• Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant engineering experience in vacuum amplifier device design
• Basic hands‑on tools experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Vacation time
• A taste of the start‑up life
• Exposure to cutting‑edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing
• Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters‑level engineers

What It’s Like To Work At Elve

We are a small team (for now!) on a mission to bring the next generation of high‑speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements – we are gunning for orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm‑wave RF amplifier market. We ask “dumb” questions all the time because we always have something to learn. We work really hard, make sure to get good sleep, handle conflict intentionally, and expect great things from each other.