RF Engineer Spatial Power Combiner

Mission Microwave; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Microwave Technologies is seeking an RF Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and validation of advanced RF/microwave subsystems for aerospace, defense, and satellite applications. You will own from concept through production support, ensuring high performance, reliability and environmental compliance in challenging environments.

You will design quasi‑optical and spatial power‑combining architectures, run simulations with ADS/AWR/HFSS/CST, and work with cross‑functional teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct RF hardware design and measurement experience.
• Electronic Warfare (EW) or radar experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design innovative quasi‑optical and spatial power‑combining architectures in support of multi‑kw RF products.
• Perform electromagnetic, RF, and microwave simulations using industry tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST) and translate results into optimized hardware designs.
• Architect and simulate RF/microwave circuits and subsystems including power amplifiers, converters, synthesizers, filters, mixers, and T/R modules to meet system‑level requirements.
• Specify, source, and evaluate RF components for high‑power, high‑reliability applications.
• Develop detailed test plans, configure measurement systems (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters), and characterize prototype hardware for gain, efficiency, power, noise figure, linearity, stability, and thermal behavior.
• Prepare documentation including design reports, test results, root‑cause analyses, failure reports, and manufacturing support materials.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to ensure designs are robust and manufacturable.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) design reviews, manufacturability assessments, prototype builds, and issue resolution during production ramp‑up.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to design, testing, reliability, and manufacturing, providing corrective actions and continuous improvement recommendations.
• Stay informed on emerging RF technologies and contribute to technology roadmaps and process improvements.

Skills

RF design

Spatial power combiners

Microwave circuit design

Hands-on testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field

MS/PhD preferred

Job description

About The Company Mission Microwave Technologies was founded in 2014 to revolutionize the next generation of Solid‑State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) and Block Upconverters (BUCs). We leverage advanced GaN transistors, proprietary power‑combining techniques, and innovative full‑system designs to deliver the industry’s most efficient, compact, and lightweight high‑power SSPAs. With more than 100 years of combined leadership experience supplying high‑performance, high‑reliability RF solutions to commercial, military, and space customers, Mission Microwave has grown rapidly over the past decade and is backed by a private equity firm committed to long‑term innovation and expansion. We are proud to be ranked #23 on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production and to have been recognized as a Great Place to Work® since 2022. Mission Microwave is headquartered at 6060 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90603.

About The Role As an RF Engineer, you will help architect, design, and validate the advanced RF and microwave subsystems that enable mission‑critical communications across aerospace, defense, and satellite markets. You’ll own the entire development lifecycle from concept, simulation, and circuit design to integration, verification, and production support—ensuring that every subsystem meets the rigorous performance, reliability, and environmental standards our customers demand. Working closely with cross‑functional engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality teams, you’ll turn innovative concepts into robust, scalable, production‑ready hardware. Your work will directly influence the performance, manufacturability, and long‑term reliability of high‑power, high‑frequency systems deployed in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

What You’ll Do

• Design innovative quasi‑optical and spatial power‑combining architectures in support of multi‑kw RF products, from L‑band through D‑band.
• Perform electromagnetic, RF, and microwave simulations using industry tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST) and translate results into optimized hardware designs.
• Architect and simulate RF/microwave circuits and subsystems including power amplifiers, converters, synthesizers, filters, mixers, and T/R modules to meet system‑level requirements.
• Specify, source, and evaluate RF components (transistors, mixers, switches, passives) for use in high‑power, high‑reliability applications.
• Develop detailed test plans, configure measurement systems (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters), and characterize prototype hardware for gain, efficiency, power, noise figure, linearity, stability, and thermal behavior.
• Prepare documentation including design reports, test results, root‑cause analyses, failure reports, and manufacturing support materials.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with reliability and production standards.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts design reviews, manufacturability assessments, prototype builds, and issue resolution during production ramp‑up.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to design, testing, reliability, and manufacturing, providing corrective actions and continuous improvement recommendations.
• Stay informed on emerging RF and microwave technologies and contribute to technology roadmaps and process improvement initiatives.

What You Bring

• Highly skilled in designing spatial power combiners from DC to 7100 GHZ.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline (MS/PhD preferred).
• Hands‑on experience designing, simulating, producing, and validating RF/microwave circuits and subsystems.
• Proficiency using RF test equipment including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and power meters.
• Strong math abilities, including calculus and spatial reasoning.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong sense of ownership, responsibility, and professional discretion.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to collaborate across all organizational levels.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience in RF hardware design and measurement.
• Electronic Warfare (EW) or radar experience is a plus.

Mission Microwave is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity, and to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Mission Microwave maintains a drug‑free workplace and conducts pre‑employment background checks and, where permitted by law, substance‑abuse testing.

Many of our roles support U.S. Government programs and require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. Applicants who receive a conditional offer may be subject to government security investigations and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that Mission Microwave may share your application materials, including your resume and any related personal information or documentation, with its subsidiaries or affiliated partners strictly for the purpose of evaluating you for current or future employment opportunities.