Chief Scientist, RF/Microwave Engineering

Thisiscny; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 141,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

TTM Technologies, Inc. is seeking an experienced RF/Microwave Engineering Leader to guide design and development of advanced microwave components and systems. The role emphasizes technical leadership, project management, and mentorship of engineers across complex RF/microwave programs.

A Secret clearance eligibility is required where applicable. Candidates should have extensive experience in passive/active beamforming, system-level design, and proficiency with state-of-the-art simulators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with EM emphasis.
• Minimum 20 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on RF/Microwave projects.
• Mentor engineers and guide cross-functional teams.
• Develop and verify high-performance microwave systems.
• Lead or support proposal efforts and trade studies.

Skills

RF/Microwave engineering

Technical leadership

Project management

Beamforming design

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

HFSS

Genesys

ADS

Job description

TTM Technologies, Inc. – Publicly Traded US Company, NASDAQ (TTMI) – Top-5 Global Printed Circuit Board Manufacturer

About TTM

TTM Technologies, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of technology products, including mission systems, radio frequency(“RF”) components, RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies, and technologically advanced printed circuit boards(“PCB”s). TTM stands for time-to-market, representing how TTM's time-critical, one-stop design, engineering and manufacturing services enable customers to reduce the time required to develop new products and bring them to market.

Additional information can be found at www.ttm.com

Provides visionary technical leadership in the research, design, and advancement of RF and Microwave components, subsystems, and systems. Serves as the organization's highest technical authority within the discipline, shaping strategic direction and establishing the intellectual foundation for next-generation capabilities. Defines multi-year technology roadmaps and investment priorities across a 3-5 year horizon, translating emerging scientific advances into actionable development programs.

Demonstrates a distinguished record of technical achievement, including issued patents, peer-reviewed publications, and broad recognition as thought leader across industry and academic forums. Engages with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to identify emerging opportunities and position the organization at the forefront of RF/Microwave innovation.

Mentors engineering staff and senior principal engineers, fostering technical growth and cultivating the next generation of RF/Microwave talent. Builds and sustains strategic relationships with external partners, academic institutions, and industry collaborators to advance shared technology objectives. Contributes to capture strategy development and architects complex, high-performance system designs that push the boundaries of current capability. Demonstrates deep command of state-of-the-art analysis tools and techniques across the RF/Microwave domain.

Evaluates existing technology capabilities, monitors the competitive landscape, and anticipates emerging technologies — assessing their relevance and applicability to the organization's portfolio. Applies forward-thinking, systems-level approaches to technology planning and roadmap development. Defines and leads R&D programs that advance strategic technology objectives, including active contribution to hands‑on technical research. Champions advanced proposal efforts and provides authoritative guidance across the organization's most critical strategic technology initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Project Management

• Lead or serve as a senior resource on major projects and complex activities requiring advanced, specialized knowledge in RF/Microwave engineering, including expert knowledge of passive and active beamforming designs and integrated microwave assemblies.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams, mentoring lower-level engineers and supervising direct reports as required

• Lead or assist with technical proposal efforts, white papers, and trade studies

• Establish program technical objectives, requirements, standards, and project milestones to ensure compliance with specifications, schedule, and cost requirements

Technical Expertise and Problem Solving

• Perform scientific research and complex mathematical analysis in RF/Microwave engineering, spanning passive and/or active components, subsystems, and systems. Applies a solid understanding of theoretical foundations combined with expert proficiency in state-of-the-art field simulators and circuit simulation tools such as HFSS, Genesys, and ADS.

• Design, test, and verify products, concepts, specifications, devices, and systems with a high degree of creativity, foresight, and technical judgment.

• Identify and analyze design challenges to achieve optimal solutions, leveraging both internal and external resources. Applies expert knowledge of current manufacturing capabilities and limitations to inform design decisions and identify future technology opportunities.

• Develop innovative approaches to solving complex technical problems, including the application of new analysis methodologies and advanced techniques such as Machine Learning.

Strategic Planning and Innovation

• Maintain current awareness of emerging technologies, customer roadmaps, and industry trends.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams — spanning design, measurement, business development, manufacturing, and quality — to develop new products and technologies.

• Define the capabilities required to meet current and future needs and execute plans to achieve them.

• Understand and effectively communicate technologies and products from key suppliers to internal stakeholders.

Communication and Collaboration

• Interface effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.

• Communicate critical technical information clearly and accurately across design, measurement, performance, specifications, schedule, and cost dimensions.

• Actively pursue continuing education to broaden engineering knowledge, improve professional effectiveness, and maintain technical currency.

• Travel occasionally as required.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Technical Leadership and Problem Solving

• Provide technical leadership for engineering projects with substantial complexity and scope.

• Recognized expert and authority in engineering design, measurement, and analysis tools applicable to passive and active RF/Microwave engineering.

• Independently designs and resolves extremely complex engineering problems with minimal direction.

• Synthesizes technical inputs from multiple functions — including Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory — to draw sound conclusions and deliver actionable recommendations.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicates clearly and effectively with cross‑functional team members at all levels.

• Demonstrates strong delegation skills and the ability to align and motivate technical teams.

• Works effectively both independently and as a collaborative team member.

Project and Process Management

• Manages multiple competing priorities effectively in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

• Contributes to process improvement initiatives and cost reduction efforts.

Professional Development

• Actively pursue opportunities to expand job‑related Actively pursues opportunities to expand technical knowledge and job‑related expertise.

• Produces white papers and technical publications that contribute to the broader RF/Microwave engineering community.

Must have a background that would permit the U.S. Department of Defense to issue a Secret clearance when necessary for work on a project that requires such a clearance

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree, in Electrical Engineering, Emphasis on Electromagnetic Fields; Master’s degree/PhD Preferred

• Experience: Minimum 20 years’ relevant experience.

Compensation and Benefits:

TTM offers a variety of health and well‑being benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, 401k, flexible spending and health savings accounts, accident benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, paid vacation & holidays. Benefits are available on the 1st of the month following date of hire. For some positions, only PTO and holiday benefits are offered.

Compensation ranges for roles at TTM Technologies varies depending on a wide array of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At TTM Technologies, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on each individual set of circumstances. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

$140,537 - $247,152

Additional compensation: An annual or quarterly company bonus may apply based on position assignment. Positions hired for alternative shift may be eligible for a shift premium based on the assigned shift and location.

Export Statement:

Must comply with TTM Export Control Policies and Procedures and all applicable laws including ITAR, EAR and OFAC including but not limited to: a) being able to identify ITAR product on the manufacturing floor and understand that access to these products and related technical data is restricted to only US Citizens and US Permanent Residents; b) recognition of Foreign Person visitors by badge differentiation; c) understand and follow authorization procedures for bringing foreign visitors into facilities (VAL); d) understand the Export and ITAR requirements for shipments leaving the US; e) manage vendor approvals for ITAR manufacturing and services.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.