Microwave Electronics Design Engineer, High Power Amplifiers

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.

About the Team
Mission Solutions – The Platforms
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra.

About the Job
We are actively seeking a highly skilled and innovative Microwave Design Engineer who possesses specialized expertise in high power RF/microwave amplifiers. In this pivotal role, you will be integral to the entire lifecycle of our projects, encompassing the design, development, qualification, and system integration of state-of-the-art transmitter hardware. Your contributions will focus on and enhance our capabilities with both solid-state and vacuum-based High Power Amplifiers (HPAs), which are essential components operating within the microwave and millimeter-wave spectrum. These amplifiers are engineered for demanding and sophisticated applications, and your role will require you to tackle technical challenges with creativity and precision, ensuring the delivery of high-performance solutions in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office, Arlington, VA office, or Reston, VA office (coming soon).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize high power RF/microwave amplifier architectures (SSPA, GaN, GaAs, or TWT-based as applicable).
• Perform nonlinear circuit design, load-pull analysis, and efficiency optimization.
• Conduct detailed thermal, stability, and reliability analyses for high-power operation.
• Lead schematic capture, EM/circuit co-simulation, and layout of high-power RF assemblies.
• Support prototype build, test, and troubleshooting, including power compression, IMD, and harmonic performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing teams to ensure producible designs.
• Author technical documentation, design reviews, and test reports.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5-8+ years of professional experience in RF, microwave, or mixed-signal electronics design, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability applications.
• Strong background in microwave amplifier theory and nonlinear RF design.
• Hands-on experience with high-power devices (e.g., GaN HEMTs).
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST).
• Proficiency with schematic capture, RF layout, and configuration control (e.g., Altium).
• Experience with RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, power meters, load-pull systems).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of professional experience in RF, microwave, or mixed-signal electronics design, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability applications.
• Experience with space, defense, or high-reliability systems.
• Knowledge of power combining techniques and high-voltage biasing.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD or space qualification processes.
• Active security clearance.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free Parking
• Free lunch in office daily

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 DOE.