RF Design Engineer - Power Amplifiers

Octagon Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Stock options

Job summary

Octagon Group in the Chicago area is seeking an RF Design Engineer to design GaN RF power amplifiers from concept and simulation through prototype testing and production.

You’ll use Keysight ADS to simulate, analyze and optimize amplifier performance, tackle high-power RF challenges, and collaborate with PCB, mechanical and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable hardware. This on-site role requires the ability to work without visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Hands-on RF/microwave circuit design and testing experience.
• Experience with GaN RF power amplifiers and MMIC knowledge.
• Experience using Keysight ADS for simulation and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop GaN RF power amplifiers from concept to production.
• Use Keysight ADS to simulate and optimize amplifier performance.
• Collaborate with PCB, mechanical and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable hardware.
• Address high-power RF challenges such as gain and phase matching.

Skills

RF/microwave theory

Hands-on testing

Analytical problem-solving

GaN PA design

Tools

Keysight ADS

Job description

Chicago area, Illinois | 100% on-site

$150,000–$200,000 base salary | Relocation assistance available

Want to design high-power RF amplifiers and see your work move from simulation into hardware?

Octagon Group is recruiting an RF Design Engineer for a growing specialist in solid-state RF and microwave power amplifiers. Working on systems delivering up to 20–25 kW, you’ll tackle challenging power amplifier designs for demanding military and defense applications.

You’ll join a close-knit engineering team with direct access to the VP of Engineering and CEO, fast technical decisions, and the opportunity to influence products as the business expands.

The opportunity

• Design and develop GaN RF power amplifiers, from concept and simulation through prototype testing and production.
• Use Keysight ADS to simulate, analyze and optimize amplifier performance.
• Address high-power RF challenges, including gain and phase matching.
• Work closely with PCB, mechanical and manufacturing colleagues to turn designs into reliable hardware.

What we’re looking for

• Hands-on experience using Keysight ADS.
• A strong understanding of RF/microwave circuits and power amplifier behavior.
• An analytical, hands-on approach to design, testing and troubleshooting.

Experience in aerospace, defense or military RF hardware would be particularly relevant. Engineers with MMIC design experience are also encouraged to apply where their background includes GaN PA design and ADS.

There is flexibility on seniority, including consideration for exceptional recent graduates with directly relevant research or project experience.

What’s on offer

• $150,000–$200,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Relocation assistance, agreed individually.
• Potential stock options for the right senior appointment.
• Technically challenging work, a flat hierarchy and room to grow with the business.

This position is fully on-site in the Chicago area. Visa sponsorship is unavailable; U.S. citizens and green card holders are welcome to apply.