Radio Frequency Engineer

MMA Space™️; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

MMA Design, a Boulder-based aerospace company, seeks a Space RF Engineer to design, develop, and test RF systems for space-based applications, including deployable antennas and phased arrays. You will drive RF concepts through production-ready hardware and contribute to mission-critical communications and sensing systems.

The role requires deep RF expertise, extensive space experience, and a collaborative approach to integrate RF hardware with mechanical and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of RF design/analysis/testing experience (space preferred).
• Experience with RF fundamentals and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF solutions for advanced space antenna arrays.
• Own antenna system design from concept to flight readiness.
• Act as RF SME in customer discussions and proposals.
• Translate system requirements into robust RF designs.
• Perform RF analysis and test planning for space hardware.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

RF design

Antenna design

Space systems

RF analysis

Troubleshooting RF

Education

Master’s in Electrical Engineering

PhD (preferred)

Tools

HFSS

CST

ADS

Altium

Job description

Space is our passion, and exploring is in our DNA. MMA Design is a dynamic, growing aerospace company specializing in unique deployable mechanical systems and antenna payload solutions. Founded in Boulder in 2007, we are building a great team by attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people who are passionate about enabling the smallsat revolution and beyond. MMA values each employee’s unique contributions. Join our fun, collaborative and talented team who are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative products.

* Only US Citizens may apply *

Job Description:

We are seeking a talented Space RF Engineer to design, develop, and test radio frequency (RF) systems for space-based applications, including materials selection for non-deployable and deployable antenna systems including phased arrays, parabolic and active/passive membrane-based solutions. MMA is seeking an experienced engineer to establish deep RF expertise within the organization while helping shape future antenna and communications programs. This role supports the full lifecycle of RF hardware, from concept and prototyping through production and validation testing, to enable reliable communications and sensing missions in demanding space environments.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the definition of RF solutions in support of advanced antenna arrays for space applications.
• Own the antenna system from concept to design for manufacture, qualification, testing and flight readiness.
• Serve as an RF subject matter expert during customer discussions, proposal efforts, and business development activities.
• Translate mission and system requirements into robust antenna design solutions.
• Apply critical thinking to challenge assumptions and drive optimal, physics-based solutions.
• Maintain a pragmatic and goal-oriented mindset, balancing performance, cost, schedule, risk, and manufacturability.
• Design and develop high-performance RF systems and subsystems for spacecraft, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and RF front ends (e.g., phased arrays, reflectarrays, patch arrays, deployable architectures).
• Work in tight coordination with mechanical engineering to ensure seamless RF integration and optimized system performance.
• Perform RF analysis, modeling, and simulation (link budgets, noise figure, gain, interference, etc.)
• Support system architecture development for communications, telemetry, tracking, and payload applications
• Conduct component selection, schematic design, and layout guidance for RF circuits
• Select and qualify materials considering:
• EEE parts standards
• Radiation tolerance
• Thermal cycling
• Outgassing (ECSS/NASA compliance)
• Oversee prototype development, including PCB-based RF structures, waveguide assemblies, and hybrid solutions
• Interface with suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Drive iterative prototyping cycles with a practical, solution-oriented approach
• Develop test plans and execute testing for RF performance, including range testing, lab, environmental, and other system-level testing
• Analyze test data and troubleshoot RF performance issues
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, mechanical, firmware, and manufacturing) to integrate RF hardware into spacecraft platforms
• Support environmental qualification (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) for spaceflight hardware
• Contribute to documentation including design reviews, test reports, and production packages
• Assist in transitioning designs from prototype to scalable production

Skills + Experience:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of experience in RF design, analysis, or testing (space or related industry preferred)
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, noise, and signal integrity
• Experience with RF and EE simulation and design tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, Altium, or similar)
• Demonstrated experience designing RF systems and antenna architectures from concept through implementation, not solely testing or validation activities.
• Hands-on experience with RF and EE test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, etc)
• Familiarity with communication systems and link budget analysis
• Ability to troubleshoot complex RF systems
• Experience designing RF systems for space or aerospace applications
• Knowledge of satellite communications, GNSS, sensing or radar systems
• Familiarity with radiation effects and space environment considerations
• Experience with antenna design and integration, including concept and proposal development
• Understanding of EMI/EMC requirements and mitigation techniques
• Hands-on engineering attitude with attention to detail and quality
• Experience working in a production or high-reliability environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail in high-reliability designs
• Ability to collaborate closely in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
• Clear communication and documentation skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience leading space antenna programs in a defense or aerospace environment.

MMA also values:

• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Focus on delivering exceptional quality
• Technical passion and determination
• Natural leadership

Additional Job Application Terms

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