Lead design, development, integration, and test of RF and microwave subsystems for radar, EW, aerospace, and defense. Architect RF subsystems, run system-level simulations and trade studies, drive prototyping and hands-on testing, mentor junior engineers, collaborate cross-functionally and with customers, support proposals and product roadmaps, and act as a technical expert for RF solutions.
Description
We are seeking a Senior RF Engineer with a strong technical foundation, leadership capability, and a drive for innovation to join our fast-paced and growing team in Austin, TX. In this role, you will lead the design, development, integration, and testing of complex RF and microwave assemblies and subsystems for mission-critical applications in radar, electronic warfare (EW), aerospace, and defense.
This position plays a key role in advancing our modular RF architecture and driving the next generation of high-performance solutions using our proprietary X-Microwave platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end development of advanced RF and microwave systems, from concept to production.
- Architect and design complex RF subsystems, including amplifiers, mixers, converters, filters, and transceivers.
- Perform high-level system modeling, simulations, trade studies, and design optimizations to meet performance, cost, and environmental constraints.
- Drive prototype development, hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification using advanced RF test equipment.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams, customers, and technical leads to ensure successful execution of project deliverables.
- Contribute to strategic product planning and technology roadmaps based on customer needs and market trends.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and engineering technicians.
- Support proposals, cost estimates, and technical responses for new business opportunities.
- Serve as industry expert on RF and microwave application needs to advise customers on optimal solutions and present proposals to technical experts from customers.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
- 7+ years of industry experience in RF and microwave system design, test, and integration.
- Deep understanding of RF system architecture, component behavior, and signal integrity across frequency bands from MHz to tens of GHz.
- Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Keysight ADS, HFSS, MATLAB, and Altium Designer (or equivalents).
- Experience with high-power and low-noise amplifier chains, frequency conversion, and transmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) systems.
- Skilled in RF cascade analysis, impedance matching, intermodulation distortion, and thermal effects.
- Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects from concept to production.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to present to internal and external stakeholders, including customers and leadership teams.
- U.S. Person as defined by U.S. export control regulations (required).
Preferred Experience
- Experience in defense or aerospace RF systems.
- Familiarity with modular hardware architectures or software-defined RF systems.
- Exposure to design-for-manufacturability and automated testing environments.
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Transportation • Defense • Manufacturing
Lead design, integration, and flight test of RF telemetry systems: link analysis, onboard radios/antennas, ground stations, HITL testing, troubleshooting, vendor coordination, documentation, and flight support for supersonic/hypersonic vehicles.
Top Skills:
AntennasBondingCanEnvironmental TestingEthernetGround StationsGroundingHardware-In-The-Loop (Hitl)I2CLink AnalysisMil-Std-1553RadiosRf TelemetryShieldingSpiUart
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Hardware • Software • Semiconductor
Lead design of mmWave (30+ GHz) RF transceivers and components across full product lifecycle. Develop PAs, LNAs, mixers, VCOs, PLLs, and Tx/Rx chains; perform parasitic/EM/thermal modeling, layout and verification, tape-out, and lab validation. Engage with customers and use advanced EDA and EM tools on RF SOI processes.
Top Skills:
Cadence VirtuosoClarityEmxFrac-N PllLayout MxlPegasusProbe StationQrcRf SoiSigma-Delta PllSpectrum AnalyzerVector Network Analyzer (Vna)Vrf FlowsVss
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead RF design, integration, testing, and compliance for the V-BAT aircraft. Define system and unit RF requirements, optimize link performance, resolve interference, improve test and compliance processes, create test procedures, mentor engineers, support hiring, and coordinate cross-functionally to deliver reliable airborne RF systems.
Top Skills:
AnsysCstEmi/EmcGnssL-BandMil-Std-461Mil-Std-464S-BandUhfVhf
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center



