RF/Microwave Design Engineer

Spectrum Control; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day workweek

Competitive wages

Day 1 benefits

Job summary

Spectrum Control in Ann Arbor, MI is seeking an RF Design Engineer to support the design and development of advanced RF and microwave products. This role involves working with high-frequency technologies and contributing from product concept to production.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and have at least 5 years of relevant experience. Additional benefits include a unique 4-day work schedule that offers a 3-day weekend and comprehensive health coverage starting on day one.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in RF, microwave product development environments.
• Hands-on RF/microwave design experience using related simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF and microwave products from DC to 65 GHz+.
• Support product development through design analysis and testing.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation associated with products.

Skills

RF design experience

Analytical skills

RF measurement techniques

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Keysight ADS

LabVIEW

AutoCAD

Job description

At Spectrum Control, most departments operate a 4-day, 10‑hour work schedule in exchange for a 3‑day weekend. We offer competitive wages, PTO, and benefits that begin on day 1 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 using advanced thin‑film and thick‑film resistive technologies. The role applies RF engineering principles to develop new products, enhance existing designs, and support manufacturing and customer requirements. Working in a collaborative engineering environment, the engineer contributes to product development from concept through production, including design simulation, prototype evaluation, performance testing, and technical documentation. The position interfaces regularly with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales, and Program Management to ensure products meet performance, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Design and develop new RF and microwave products covering frequency ranges from DC to 65 GHz+ and average power levels up to 2,000 watts.
• 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, including but not limited to:
• Attenuators
• Terminations and loads
• Bias tees
• Gain equalizers
• Directional couplers
• Power dividers/combiners
• Temperature‑sensitive resistors and attenuators
• Coaxial and surface‑mount RF/microwave components
• Perform RF and electromagnetic modeling, simulation, and design optimization using industry‑standard software tools.
• Design, assemble, and evaluate prototypes, conducting electrical characterization and performance testing, including S‑parameter analysis, power handling validation, and thermal performance evaluation.
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements to ensure compliance with product specifications and customer requirements.
• Assist Sales, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Quality 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, bills of materials (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 of five (5) years of experience in RF, microwave, electrical, or related product development environments.
• Minimum of two (2) years of hands‑on RF/microwave design experience using computer‑aided design and simulation tools such as:
• Keysight ADS
• Cadence AWR Microwave Office
• Ansys HFSS
• CST Microwave Studio
• Or equivalent RF/EM simulation platforms
• Experience designing and testing RF and microwave circuits, components, or assemblies.
• Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power measurement systems.
• Experience performing S‑parameter characterization, data analysis, and performance validation.
• Experience with programming or test automation tools; LabVIEW, HPVEE, or similar platforms are preferred.
• Experience using CAD systems such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and electrical/electronic assembly methods.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel occasionally as required.
• Must be eligible to access export‑controlled information and technology in accordance with U.S. export control regulations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance in the future, if required; this requires U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thin‑film and thick‑film resistive technologies.
• Experience with high‑power RF design, thermal management, and reliability considerations.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, communications, or other high‑reliability applications.

Work Environment

• This position is located at our Ann Arbor, 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 and assemblies serving aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and communications markets.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c)