RF Designer

Kepler Communications; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kepler Communications is seeking an RF Engineer focused on RF hardware development for both space-based and ground-based assets. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in RF design and simulation, as well as a commitment to innovation in the space economy. Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing connectivity through cutting-edge technology.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Accommodations for applicants with disabilities

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience with RF circuit design.
• 5+ years' experience with RF circuit simulation tools and PCB layout tools.
• Familiarity with RF radio architectures and components.

Responsibilities

• Take spacecraft and ground terminal RF Hardware from conception to operations.
• Design and simulate RF subsystems (filters, amplifiers, transitions).
• Perform component selection for frontend circuits.

Skills

RF circuit design

RF circuit simulation tools

basic RF circuits concepts

RF measurements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ADS

Microwave Office

Altium

Cadence

Job description

Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team!

As an RF Engineer, your focus will be on RF hardware development, specifically hardware related to both our space-based communications payloads as well as ground-based assets. You will have the opportunity to work on everything from high-gain phased array antennas to software-defined radio transceivers.

We are looking for exceptional candidates with the below experience along with any unique abilities that could be used to augment our small but strong RF team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take spacecraft and ground terminal RF Hardware from conception to design, manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations.
• Design and simulate RF subsystems (filters, amplifiers, transitions etc.).
• Perform component selection for frontend circuits.
• Perform schematic capture, layout and fabrication support of RF frontend PCBAs and antennas.
• Contribute to trade studies and designs of radio systems from a hardware perspective.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
• 5+ years' experience with RF circuit design.
• 5+ years' experience with RF circuit simulation tools (ADS, Microwave Office etc.) and PCB layout tools (Altium, Cadence etc.).
• Proficient in basic RF circuits concepts such as impedance matching, smith chart, network analysis, active and passive microwave components and systems (mixers, amplifiers, transistors at RF frequencies) and their figures of merit (P1dB, Psat, IIP3, noise figure, etc.), RF filter design.
• Familiarity with RF radio architectures and components.
• Comfortable making RF measurements using standard RF test equipment: spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, noise and power measurements.
• Experience working closely with PA MMIC’s: matching, tuning, testing etc. is desirable.

Bonus Points:

• 5+ years of experience with RF antenna design.
• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
• Knowledge/familiarity with modulation, DSP, or digital radio concepts is desirable.

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.