RF Design Engineer

Role description: This role is with one of our portfolio companies(Series A funded)
We are looking for an RF Design Engineer with a passion for space technology to design, develop, and optimize RF and microwave systems for satellite and aerospace applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop RF and microwave circuits, antennas, and subsystems for satellite and space communication systems.
• Perform end-to-end RF system design, including low-noise amplifiers (LNA), power amplifiers (PA), mixers, oscillators, and filters for high-frequency applications.
• Work on RF component selection, schematic design, and PCB layout, ensuring reliability in space environments.
• Conduct RF simulations and optimizations using tools such as HFSS, ADS, CST, or EMPro to enhance system performance.
• Perform antenna design, tuning, and radiation pattern analysis for satellite communication (e.g., phased arrays, parabolic antennas, horn antennas).
• Execute RF testing and characterization using vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, and signal generators to validate designs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including aerospace, electrical, and software engineers, to ensure seamless RF system integration.
• Ensure compliance with space-grade regulations and standards (NASA, ISRO, FCC, ITU, MIL-STD).
• Troubleshoot RF interference issues and optimize performance in extreme conditions (vacuum, radiation, thermal variations).
• Stay ahead of cutting-edge RF and space communication technologies, such as beamforming, SDRs, and mmWave systems.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in RF/microwave circuit and system design, preferably in aerospace, defense, or satellite communication.
• Hands-on expertise with RF simulation tools (HFSS, CST, ADS, MATLAB, Keysight) and PCB design software (Altium, OrCAD, KiCad).
• Strong knowledge of high-frequency RF circuits (LNA, PA, mixers, oscillators, filters, etc.).
• Experience working with Ka-band, X-band, Ku-band, and mmWave RF technologies for satellite communication.
• Understanding of modulation techniques (QPSK, BPSK, OFDM), link budgets, and Doppler shift considerations.
• Hands-on experience in RF testing and measurement using spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and signal generators.
• Experience working with radiation-hardened and space-grade components.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Software-Defined Radios (SDR) and digital beamforming techniques.
• Prior experience in designing deep-space or interplanetary communication systems.
• Knowledge of radiation shielding techniques and thermal management in RF circuits.
• Background in radar and remote sensing RF applications.