Principal RF Design Engineer 6

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Principal RF Design Engineer in San Jose, CA. The ideal candidate will lead the design of RF & Microwave solid state power amplifiers, focusing on high reliability applications in aerospace and defense.

With a minimum of 8 years of experience and knowledge of RF design software, you will work in a fast-paced environment. Competitive benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), and more.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong understanding of RF & Microwave solid state power amplifiers.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF & Microwave solid state power amplifiers.
• Collaborate with production for tuning, alignment, and testing.
• Ensure on-time delivery of products to customer schedules.

Skills

RF & Microwave Circuit Design

Simulation and Layout Software

Analog Control Circuits

Strong Bench Skills with RF Test Equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Microwave Office

AutoCAD

Altium

Job description

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is looking for a Principal RF Design Engineer 6 to work onsite at either their San Jose, CA facility or their Folsom, CA facility.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: RF & Microwave Solid State Power Amplifier Design Engineer. You will be responsible for the design and development of RF & Microwave solid state power amplifiers (SSPAs), from conceptual system level design to device and component selection. You will develop and prototype SSPAs at frequencies from 500 MHz to 100 GHz using state‑of‑the‑art device technologies including GaN, GaAs, InP, and SiGe. You will design products that are intended to operate in harsh environments for high reliability applications in the aerospace & defense market including land‑based, ship‑board, airborne, and space platforms. Expected to work both independently and as a member of a multi‑functional team. This position requires the ability to obtain security clearance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Complete knowledge and full understanding of area of specialization, principles and practices within a professional discipline.
• Assesses unusual circumstances and uses sophisticated analytical and problem‑solving techniques to identify cause.
• Resolves and assesses a wide range of issues in creative ways and suggests variations in approach.
• This job is the fully qualified, experienced professional, journey‑level position.
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Devises solutions based on limited information and precedent and adapts existing approaches to resolve issues.
• Uses evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select right course of action.
• Work is done independently and is reviewed at critical points.
• Enhances relationships and networks with senior internal/external partners who are not familiar with the subject matter often requiring persuasion.
• Adapts style to differing audiences and often advises others on difficult matters.
• System level block diagram development, cascade analysis, and physical design and mechanical / architectural layout including designing to meet customer reliability and derating requirements.
• Design RF & microwave amplifier assemblies, analog control circuits, power supplies and power conditioning circuitry, and some basic digital circuitry for command‑&‑control and fault sensing & reporting.
• Design RF matching networks using harmonic balance non‑linear simulation, large signal models, and load‑pull contours.
• Design for manufacturability, automated assembly & test (DFMAT)
• Responsible for design and layout of both MIC hybrid (chip‑&‑wire) modules and SMT PCBA assemblies using Cadence’s Microwave Office, AutoCAD, and Altium, ORCAD, or Allegro.
• Work with production personnel in Assembly & Test to support the build, tuning & alignment, and test of SSPA products.
• Responsible for the on‑time development and delivery of new products to customer schedules within budget, adhering to the Product Development Process stage gate process.
• Contribute to Bid & Proposal activities as assigned to address new customer requirements.
• Experience in RF and Microwave circuit design including simulation and layout with relevant RF & mechanical CAD software (e.g., Microwave Office, VSS, CST, Altium, AutoCAD, etc.).
• Strong practical bench skills with RF test equipment in a cleanroom lab environment.
• Experience with RF test equipment including Signal Generators, Network Analyzers, VNAs / PNAs, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the assigned duties, including computer skills.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
• Communicate and interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and public, including maintaining respect for others, and following company policies.
• Have a willingness and ability to learn and utilize company technology for company required purposes, including, for example training, reviewing, and signing policies and procedures, benefits enrollment, and changes, and more.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities as it pertains to your job.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 4 years’ experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position is a full‑time on‑site position based out of either our San Jose (CA) or Folsom (CA) facilities. The work environment will be split roughly 50/50 between a cubicle office environment with computer aided design work and a cleanroom lab environment working on electronics hardware on the bench inside the cleanroom.

Travel Requirements: Yes, infrequent travel may be required to visit customers and suppliers. Estimate 10 %.

Salary Range: $140,000.00 – $200,000.00

JOB BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

EEO Statement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity & affirmative action employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America’s veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.