Senior RF Engineer

Vulcan Wireless Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

A leading digital communications firm in San Diego is seeking an experienced Senior RF Engineer with over 10 years of expertise in Ka-band RF design. This full-time role involves designing RF front-end architectures and conducting lab validations for advanced satellite communications and defense systems. Ideal candidates will demonstrate hands-on proficiency with RF test equipment and RF simulation tools, contributing to impactful projects. You'll have access to competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of RF/microwave design experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing in Ka-band (26.5–40 GHz).
• Hands‑on lab experience with RF test equipment up to 40 GHz.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Ka-band RF front‑end architectures.
• Perform RF system analysis, link budgets, and noise figure calculations.
• Conduct lab testing and validation using network analyzers and spectrum analyzers.

Skills

RF front‑end architecture

Ka‑band amplifier and filter design

EM simulation

High‑frequency PCB layout review

Root cause failure analysis

Technical documentation and reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

ADS

AWR

HFSS

CST

Genesys

Job description

Vulcan Wireless Inc. specializes in providing innovative digital communication solutions tailored for both terrestrial and space applications. Serving domestic and international clients, the company delivers complete turnkey communication systems for military and commercial customers. With expertise in embedded software, digital signal processing, and digital radio design, Vulcan Wireless supports the seamless transition of products from conception to production.

Role Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior RF Engineer with extensive expertise in Ka-band (26.5–40 GHz) RF and microwave design to support advanced satellite communications, radar, and defense systems programs. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of hands‑on RF design experience and a strong background in high‑frequency circuit design, system integration, and lab validation.

This role supports DoD and aerospace programs from concept development through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop Ka-band RF front‑end architectures, including LNAs, PAs, mixers, filters, and up/down converters.
• Perform RF system analysis, link budgets, and noise figure calculations.
• Develop and simulate RF circuits using tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS, or CST.
• Support phased array antenna integration and T/R module development.
• Conduct lab testing and validation using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators (up to 40 GHz).
• Lead PCB layout reviews for high‑frequency designs (microstrip, stripline, controlled impedance).
• Troubleshoot RF assemblies during integration and production.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with internal teams and customers.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.
• Develop and simulate RF circuits using tools such as Genesys, or CST.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of RF/microwave design experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing in Ka-band (26.5–40 GHz).
• Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, or equivalent).
• Hands‑on lab experience with RF test equipment up to 40 GHz.
• Strong understanding of S‑parameters, impedance matching, stability, and noise figure optimization.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, multi‑disciplinary engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD or aerospace programs.
• Knowledge of DFARS compliance and counterfeit part mitigation.
• Experience with phased array systems or SATCOM terminals.
• Active Secret or higher security clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Familiarity with MIL‑STD environmental qualification testing.

Key Skills

• RF front‑end architecture
• Ka‑band amplifier and filter design
• EM simulation
• High‑frequency PCB layout review
• Root cause failure analysis
• Technical documentation and reporting

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Opportunity to work on advanced defense and aerospace systems
• Career growth and leadership opportunities
• Occasional supplier visits or audits may be required.

Job Type

Full‑time

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Sick time
• Vision insurance

Education

• Bachelor's (Required)

Salary Range

$110,000 - $150,000, depending on experience, relevant skills and knowledge.

Why Join Us?

At Vulcan Wireless, Inc., you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a dynamic and innovative environment. We value professional growth, foster teamwork, and recognize individual contributions that drive our success.

EEOC

Vulcan Wireless, Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

To conform to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).