Senior MMIC Design Engineer

K2 Space Corporation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

K2 Space Corporation seeks a Senior MMIC Design Engineer to create high-performance RF and millimeter-wave ICs for next-generation satellites. You will own MMIC designs from architecture to tapeout and integration, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver devices for space applications.

The role requires hands-on RF/mmWave work, Cadence/ADS experience, and a track record of delivering PAs, LNAs, or RF switches for GaAs or GaN in aerospace environments.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years designing RF/mmWave MMICs in GaAs and/or GaN.
• Experience with PAs, LNAs, or RF switches.
• Strong RF fundamentals: impedance matching, stability, noise, linearity, power handling.
• Experience with Cadence, Keysight ADS, EM simulation tools.
• Hands-on RF/mmWave characterization with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, load-pull systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PAs, LNAs, and RF switches in GaAs and GaN technologies.
• Own designs from architecture through schematic, layout, tapeout, and characterization.
• Optimize circuits for output power, efficiency, linearity, noise figure, bandwidth, gain.
• Perform RF and EM simulations of circuits and packaging interfaces.
• Develop test plans and characterize MMICs in RF/mmWave labs.
• Correlate measurements with simulations and drive design improvements.
• Collaborate with RF systems, antenna, packaging, and transceiver teams for integration.
• Contribute to MMIC capabilities development from the ground up.

Skills

RF MMIC design

GaAs/GaN expertise

PAs / LNAs / RF switches

Education

MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cadence

Keysight ADS

EM simulation tools

VNA

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Power meters

Load-pull systems

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

About The Role

We are looking for a Senior MMIC Design Engineer to develop high-performance RF and millimeter-wave integrated circuits for next-generation satellite communication systems. You will own MMIC designs from architecture and technology selection through tapeout, characterization, and product integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and RF switches in GaAs and GaN technologies.
• Own designs from architecture and topology selection through schematic design, layout, EM simulation, tapeout, and silicon/MMIC characterization.
• Optimize circuits for output power, efficiency, linearity, noise figure, bandwidth, gain, and robustness.
• Perform RF and electromagnetic simulations, including passive structures, matching networks, interconnects, and package/interface effects.
• Develop test plans and characterize MMICs using RF and millimeter-wave laboratory equipment.
• Correlate measured performance with simulation and drive design improvements.
• Work closely with RF systems, antenna, packaging, and transceiver IC teams to define interfaces and enable system-level integration.
• Contribute to technology evaluation, architecture trades, design methodology, and development of MMIC capabilities from the ground up.

Qualifications

• MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in designing RF/millimeter-wave MMICs in GaAs and/or GaN technologies.
• Demonstrated design experience with PAs, LNAs, and/or RF switches, with deep expertise in at least one of these areas.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, stability, noise, linearity, power handling, and nonlinear behavior.
• Experience with Cadence, Keysight ADS, EM simulation tools, or equivalent RF/MMIC design environments.
• Hands-on experience with RF/mmWave characterization and equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and load-pull systems.
• Experience taking designs through tapeout and measured hardware validation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wideband RF/mmWave circuit design techniques.
• PA experience spanning high efficiency, high linearity, and broadband operation.
• Experience designing circuits into the Ka-band and higher millimeter-wave frequency ranges.
• Familiarity with MMIC packaging, RF module integration, thermal considerations, and antenna/array interfaces.
• Experience developing MMICs for phased arrays, satellite communications, aerospace, or other high-reliability applications.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment and building new RF/MMIC capabilities from the ground up.

Compensation And Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $170,000 – $250,000 + equity in the company
• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.

• 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.