RF Design Engineer III

• Design front-end RF signal-chain circuits and assemblies for space vehicle communication and signal analysis systems using filters, amplifiers, mixers, couplers, impedance matching networks, and related components
• Design stable, low-phase noise oscillators and distribution networks
• Design RF digitizer circuits and assemblies using multi-GSPS ADC/DAC components
• Cooperate with project teams over the course of RF system development to establish technical requirements, perform system trade studies, conduct design reviews, and track delivery schedule
• Collaborate with RF group members and other SEAKR engineers to ensure that all multidisciplinary requirements can be satisfied in the assigned designs
• Create engineering documentation according to SEAKR’s workflow
• Support PCB layout engineers to ensure circuit boards will meet RF performance requirements
• Verify design performance with systematic laboratory measurements of engineering models
• Perform worst case RF circuit analysis following SEAKR procedures
• Assist in troubleshooting questionable RF hardware identified during test
• Effectively balance time spent on multiple concurrent assignments
• Provide training and guidance to less experienced RF engineers at SEAKR
• Collaborate with RF Engineering Group to improve hardware development processes
• Create clear reports and deliver summary presentations to product and project leadership

Qualifications

• BSEE or equivalent university degree
• Understanding of RF circuit theory, including transmission line propagation and coupling
• Understanding of oscillator and clock circuit operation and key performance parameters
• Understanding of RF circuit and signal characterization and key performance parameters: S ij, Z ij, Return Loss, Insertion Loss, SNR, SINAD, SFDR, ENOB, IMD3, NPR, and Noise Figure
• Understanding of printed circuit board fabrication and automated assembly processes
• Skills in schematic capture (Siemens Xpedition tools preferred)
• Skills in RF design and analysis using commercial EDA tools (Cadence/AWR Microwave Office or Keysight ADS preferred)
• Experience in 3D EM field modeling with CAD tools (Ansys SIwave & HFSS preferred)
• Experience in RF component and circuit verification measurements using multi-GHz VNAs, Spectrum Analyzers, Vector Signal Analyzers, Vector Signal Sources, and/or Phase Noise Analyzers
• Experience designing front-end RF receiver and transmitter circuits
• Experience designing oscillator and distribution circuits with low phase noise
• Experience in RF circuit board layout and transmission line design
• Experience working in collaborative design where success depends on collective efforts
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in presenting briefings to internal project teams
• Understanding of sampling and signal processing in digital RF systems is a plus