RF/Microwave Design Engineer

Spectrum Control, Inc.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

PTO

Benefits start on day one

Job summary

Spectrum Control, Inc. in Ann Arbor, MI is seeking an RF Design Engineer to support the design and development of high-frequency RF and microwave products. The position involves applying engineering principles to enhance existing designs and develop new products from concept through production.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 5 years of relevant experience. This role requires collaboration with multifunctional teams, regular on-site work, and offers competitive wages and benefits from day one.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in RF, microwave, electrical, or related product development.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on RF/microwave design experience.
• Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF and microwave products covering frequency ranges from DC to >65GHz.
• Support new product development through design analysis, simulation, prototyping, and testing.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, and test procedures.

Skills

RF design engineering

CAD and simulation tools

RF measurement techniques

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Keysight ADS

Cadence AWR

Microwave Office

Ansys HFSS

CST Microwave Studio

Job description

At Spectrum Control, most departments operate on a 4‑day, 10‑hour work schedule in exchange for a 3‑day weekend. We offer competitive wages, PTO, and benefits that begin on day1 of employment.

Job Summary

The RF Design Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of high‑frequency and high‑power RF and microwave products utilizing advanced thin‑film and thick‑film resistive technologies. Responsibilities include applying RF engineering principles to develop new products, enhance existing designs, and support manufacturing and customer requirements. The role spans concept through production, including design simulation, prototype evaluation, performance testing, and technical documentation, and interfaces regularly with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales, and Program Management.

Essential Job Functions

• Design and develop RF and microwave products covering frequency ranges from DC to >65GHz and average power up to 2,000W.
• Support new product development through concept generation, design analysis, simulation, prototyping, testing, qualification, and production release.
• Research and evaluate new technologies, materials, and design approaches to improve existing products and support future initiatives.
• Contribute to the design and support of RF passive product lines such as attenuators, terminations, bias tees, gain equalizers, directional couplers, power dividers/combiners, temperature‑sensitive resistors, and surface‑mount components.
• Perform RF and electromagnetic modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry‑standard tools.
• Design, assemble, and evaluate prototypes, conducting electrical characterization and performance testing (S‑parameter analysis, power handling, thermal performance).
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements to meet specifications and customer requirements.
• Assist cross‑functional teams in resolving product issues, investigating customer concerns, evaluating waiver requests, and responding to technical inquiries.
• Support manufacturing process improvements, yield enhancement initiatives, and product cost‑reduction efforts.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, BOMs, test procedures, work instructions, and design records.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions to support successful product development and production activities.
• Adhere to company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5years of experience in RF, microwave, electrical, or related product development.
• Minimum 2years of hands‑on RF/microwave design using CAD and simulation tools (Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, Microwave Office, Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or equivalent).
• Experience designing and testing RF/microwave circuits, components, or assemblies.
• Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power measurement systems).
• Experience performing S‑parameter characterization, data analysis, and performance validation.
• Experience with programming or test automation tools (LabVIEW, HPVEE, or similar) is preferred.
• Experience with CAD systems such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and electronic assembly methods.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel occasionally as required.
• Must be eligible to access export‑controlled information and technology per U.S. export control regulations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance if required; U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thin‑film and thick‑film resistive technologies.
• Experience with high‑power RF design, thermal management, and reliability considerations.
• Familiarity with ISO9001, AS9100, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, communications, or other high‑reliability applications.

Work Environment

The position is located at the AnnArbor, MI manufacturing facility and requires regular on‑site collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams. The role supports the development and production of high‑performance RF and microwave components serving aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and communications markets.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. Veterans, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for reason of pay or other protected characteristics.