Principal Space RF Engineer, Antenna & Full-Wave EM Modeling

True Anomaly, Inc.; Laguna Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class healthcare

Flexible Time Off

Daily catered lunch

Job summary

True Anomaly seeks a Principal Space RF Engineer to lead antenna and RF front-end design for space-based systems. You will own tasks from concept through electromagnetic analysis, hardware design, testing, integration, and delivery.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with full-wave EM tools and collaboration with systems, mechanical, and test teams to deliver high-performance RF hardware for space applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Physics, or related field (Master's/PhD preferred).
• 10+ years in antenna/RF/electromagnetics or microwave engineering.
• Hands-on experience with full-wave electromagnetic simulation and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of space-based antennas and RF front-end hardware.
• Perform full-wave electromagnetic modeling and simulation of antennas and RF structures.
• Use HFSS, CST, FEKO, or equivalent to predict and optimize RF performance.
• Analyze antenna gain, radiation patterns, and impedance matching.
• Develop fixed-beam, phased-array, steerable, deployable, and conformal antennas.
• Conduct EM trade studies considering performance, size, weight, power, and cost.
• Create RF front-end architectures including filters, switches, and LNA/PA.

Skills

Full-wave EM expertise

Antenna design

RF engineering

EM tool proficiency

Concept through delivery

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

HFSS

CST Studio Suite

Altair Feko

COMSOL

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset.We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

BENEFITS & PERKS*

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
• Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
• Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
• And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
• Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.

*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles

YOUR MISSION

True Anomaly is seeking a Principal Space RF Engineer with deep expertise in antenna design and full-wave electromagnetic modeling.

In this role, you will lead the development of antenna and RF front-end solutions for space-based systems. You will own technical efforts from early concept development and electromagnetic analysis through hardware design, testing, integration, and delivery.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience using full-wave electromagnetic simulation tools to design, analyze, and optimize antennas, arrays, feeds, RF structures, and spacecraft-level electromagnetic interfaces. You will work closely with systems, mechanical, thermal, avionics, manufacturing, and test engineers to deliver high-performance, space-ready RF hardware.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and development of space-based antennas and RF front-end hardware.
• Perform full-wave electromagnetic modeling and simulation of antennas, arrays, feeds, RF structures, and spacecraft interfaces.
• Use tools such as HFSS, CST, FEKO, or equivalent to predict and optimize RF performance.
• Analyze antenna gain, radiation patterns, beamwidth, sidelobe levels, polarization, impedance matching, efficiency, isolation, and coupling.
• Develop and evaluate fixed‑beam, phased-array, electronically steerable, deployable, and conformal antenna architectures.
• Conduct electromagnetic trade studies considering performance, size, weight, power, thermal environment, packaging, manufacturability, and cost.
• Develop RF front‑end architectures, including filters, switches, amplifiers, low‑noise amplifiers, feeds, couplers, and RF distribution networks.
• Create and maintain antenna models, RF budgets, simulation reports, requirements, and verification plans.
• Correlate simulation results with laboratory and antenna‑range measurements.
• Support antenna and RF hardware integration, troubleshooting, testing, and qualification.
• Work with mechanical and spacecraft engineers to resolve packaging, structural, thermal, and electromagnetic compatibility challenges.
• Lead technical reviews and serve as a subject‑matter expert for antenna and electromagnetic design.
• Mentor other engineers and establish effective modeling, design, and test processes.
• Support customer engagements, proposals, and new business opportunities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Physics, or a related field. A Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in antenna, RF, electromagnetics, or microwave engineering.
• Significant hands-on experience with full-wave electromagnetic simulation and modeling.
• Advanced proficiency with one or more full-wave EM tools, such as:
  • Ansys HFSS
  • CST Studio Suite
  • Altair Feko
  • COMSOL
  • Similar industry-standard tools
• Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing antennas, antenna arrays, feeds, RF structures, or spacecraft RF interfaces.
• Strong understanding of antenna theory, electromagnetic fields, wave propagation, impedance matching, polarization, coupling, and radiation patterns.
• Experience validating simulation results through laboratory, near-field, far-field, or anechoic chamber measurements.
• Experience with phased arrays, beamforming, electronically steerable antennas, or multi‑element RF apertures.
• Working knowledge of RF front‑end components and architectures.
• Ability to perform RF trade studies and communicate technical results clearly.
• Experience leading complex engineering efforts from concept through design, test, and delivery.
• Strong written, verbal, and cross‑functional communication skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience developing antennas or RF hardware for spacecraft or other space‑qualified systems.
• Experience with deployable, conformal, body‑mounted, or phased‑array antennas.
• Experience modeling spacecraft‑level electromagnetic compatibility, coupling, interference, or antenna‑to‑structure interactions.
• Experience with RF measurements using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, antenna ranges, or anechoic chambers.
• Familiarity with thermal, structural, vibration, thermal vacuum, and radiation considerations for space hardware.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for RF analysis and simulation automation.
• Active TS//SCI clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced startup or similarly dynamic environment.

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $190,000 - $275,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Active TS//SCI clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Centennial or Long Beach. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. #LI-Onsite

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.