Sr. MMIC Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

United States Digital Space LLC; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is looking for a Sr. MMIC Design Engineer in Redmond, WA, to develop next-generation MMICs for space and ground infrastructures as part of the Starlink project. The ideal candidate brings over 5 years of RF/microwave design experience and a strong understanding of MMIC design principles.

This role involves complex problem-solving in cutting-edge technologies with a focus on connectivity solutions. Join us to make a meaningful impact on global internet accessibility.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
• Experience in MMIC design of linear and non-linear circuits.
• Ability to work with RF engineers and PCB designers.

Responsibilities

• Derive hardware specifications for the RF system and MMIC blocks.
• Develop MMIC products from initial specification to mass production.
• Simulate/model MMIC front end circuits at circuit and electromagnetic levels.

Skills

RF/microwave circuit design

GaAs and/or GaN MMIC design

Circuit simulation

PCB design

Electromagnetic theory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

ADS

HFSS

Altium Designer

Matlab

Job description

the company was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. MMIC DESIGN ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)

At the company we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, gateways, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious MMIC Design Engineer who will work alongside world‑class cross‑disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting‑edge next‑generation MMICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting‑edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

Responsibilities

• Derive hardware specifications for the RF system and MMIC blocks
• Develop MMIC products from initial specification to mass production and ensure full compatibility in all aspects of implementation in the system
• Simulate/model MMIC front end circuits (power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, switches) at the circuit level and electromagnetic level, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Determine how to package and implement MMIC’s, and work with RF engineers and PCB designers to develop packages and/or modules
• Evaluate, characterize, and analyze full performance of MMIC prototypes
• Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of MMIC components and RF systems

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design
• Experience with GaAs and/or GaN MMIC design of linear and non‑linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs, including full circuit design and layout

Preferred Skills and Experience

• MS or PhD in an engineering discipline with emphasis in MMIC design, RF/microwave circuits, and/or electromagnetic theory
• Deep understanding of theory and MMIC design of RF front end blocks, from S-band to E-band frequency ranges
• RF/microwave design tool experience using ADS, HFSS, AWR or similar
• RF/microwave design in the Ku, Ka, V and E-band frequency range
• Familiar with radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generator, network analyzers, load pull and probe stations at millimeter wave frequencies
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi‑carrier techniques and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK and QAM
• Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
• Schematic and layout using Altium Designer or other PCB design tools
• Experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling, analyzing and automating RF systems

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: RFIC Engineer/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000 per year. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the company Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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. Applicants wishing to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].