Senior Microwave Systems Engineer

Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity.

Our mission is to deliver global omniscience.

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create the solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.

We are looking for an experienced and driven Senior Microwave Systems Engineer to drive the design, development, and analysis of cutting-edge space-based RF systems, encompassing both active and passive architectures. In this pivotal position, you will play an essential role in supporting Umbra Space Systems as we continue improve our current capabilities and expand into new missions and technologies. Collaborating across diverse teams, you'll have the opportunity to envision, define, design, implement, and validate high-performance RF systems. This role offers you the chance to take ownership and oversight of groundbreaking spacecraft products that will cater to various customer mission sets within Umbra.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in Umbra's Santa Barbara, CA or Arlington, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of active (e.g., transmitters, amplifiers, phased arrays) and passive (e.g., antennas, filters, waveguides) RF systems for spacecraft.
• Drive the design of sophisticated deployable antenna systems
• Perform RF system architecture design, trade studies, link budget analysis, and requirements definition.
• Conduct detailed antenna design, RF modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as CST, GRASP, or similar.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, digital, and systems engineers to ensure integrated designs optimized for the given application.
• Generate technical documentation including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans.
• Support the testing and validation of RF hardware.
• Interface with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and customers throughout the lifecycle of the RF system.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and participate in design reviews.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years of hands-on experience in antenna and RF system design, preferably for space applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of RF and microwave engineering, with expertise in both active and passive components.
• Proficiency with industry-standard RF simulation tools (e.g. CST, MATLAB).
• Experience with space-qualified hardware development and knowledge of environmental constraints for on-orbit systems.
• Familiarity with relevant standards such as MIL-STD, NASA, or ECSS specifications.
• Desire to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with space communications systems, radar, remote sensing, or SIGINT payloads.
• Hands-on experience with RF testing equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc.).
• Experience with antenna modeling and simulation tools (e.g. GRASP).
• Strong systems engineering background and experience working in cross-disciplinary development teams.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Experience working using an agile framework.

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.

Employment Eligibility Verification

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