RF Engineering Manager - Sacramento CA

DEPARTMENT: Engineering CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SUMMARY: RF Microwave is a technical leader responsible for driving advanced RF hardware design and development. This role emphasizes deep technical expertise in RF engineering, guiding complex product architectures, and ensuring performance excellence across high-frequency systems. Designs, develops, and implements new products with emphasis on the latest technological advancements while considering product quality/reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and budgetary concerns.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

 

• RF System Architecture: Define and oversee RF product architectures, including converters, amplifiers, and thin-film circuits.
• Advanced RF Design: Lead design efforts for: High-performance frequency converters (up/down-converters, mixers, synthesizers); Power Amplifiers (PAs) and Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs); Thin-film RF circuits such as filters, couplers, and precision components.
• Performance Optimization: Ensure compliance with stringent RF performance metrics (gain, noise figure, linearity, thermal stability).
• Simulation & Modeling: Utilize advanced RF simulation tools for circuit and system-level analysis.
• Testing & Validation: Direct RF testing using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and other precision instruments; interpret complex data for design refinement.
• Manufacturing Integration: Apply knowledge of thin-film, PCB, and final product assembly (box-build) processes to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Integrate RF designs with mechanical and software systems for complete product solutions.
• Component Lifecycle Management: Perform end-of-life (EOL) component analysis and recommend suitable replacement components to maintain product continuity and compliance.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) Development: Develop accurate BOMs in a timely manner to help Sales provide customers with the best pricing for quotes.

• overall activities of the team, identifying problem areas and taking corrective actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by manager.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages the engineering staff, providing guidance and coaching, prepares individual and group Goals as well as providing annual appraisals and group measurements.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s in RF/Microwave Engineering strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of hands-on RF design experience, including amplifiers, converters, and thin-film circuits.
• Expertise in RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in RF testing methodologies and equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers).
• Strong understanding of electromagnetic theory, impedance matching, and signal integrity.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for RF hardware.
• US Citizenship required for compliance. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 3–5 years in a technical leadership role
• Ability to work within constantly changing priorities.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong understanding of contractual obligations as defined in purchase orders and government contract flow down (Q, FAR, DFAR, ITAR, NISPOM clauses).
• Strong understanding of US Government Export Controls; working with the Export Compliance Officials to identify commodity jurisdictions and product classification. Experience determining the scope of Technical Assistance Agreements.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

 

• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information.
• Business travel as required.