RF Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: We are seeking a talented Space RF Engineer to design, develop, and test radio frequency (RF) systems for space-based applications, including materials selection for non-deployable and deployable antenna systems including phased arrays, parabolic and active/passive membrane-based solutions. This role supports the full lifecycle of RF hardware, from concept and prototyping through production and validation testing, to enable reliable communications and sensing missions in demanding space environments.

Job Responsibilities:  

Technical Leadership & Product Ownership

• Lead the definition of RF solutions in support of advanced antenna arrays for space applications.
• Own the antenna system from concept to design for manufacture, qualification, testing and flight readiness.
• Translate mission and system requirements into robust antenna design solutions.
• Apply critical thinking to challenge assumptions and drive optimal, physics-based solutions.
• Maintain a pragmatic and goal-oriented mindset, balancing performance, cost, schedule, risk, and manufacturability.

Antenna Design + Simulation

• Design and develop high-performance RF systems and subsystems for spacecraft, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and RF front ends (e.g., phased arrays, reflectarrays, patch arrays, deployable architectures).
• Work in tight coordination with mechanical engineering to ensure seamless RF integration and optimized system performance.
• Perform RF analysis, modeling, and simulation (link budgets, noise figure, gain, interference, etc.) 
• Support system architecture development for communications, telemetry, tracking, and payload applications 
• Conduct component selection, schematic design, and layout guidance for RF circuits
• Select and qualify materials considering:
  • EEE parts standards
  • Radiation tolerance
  • Thermal cycling
  • Outgassing (ECSS/NASA compliance)
  • Vacuum compatibility
• Oversee prototype development, including PCB-based RF structures, waveguide assemblies, and hybrid solutions
• Interface with suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Drive iterative prototyping cycles with a practical, solution-oriented approach
• Develop test plans and execute testing for RF performance, including range testing, lab, environmental, and other system-level testing 
• Analyze test data and troubleshoot RF performance issues 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, mechanical, firmware, and manufacturing) to integrate RF hardware into spacecraft platforms 
• Support environmental qualification (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) for spaceflight hardware 
• Contribute to documentation including design reviews, test reports, and production packages 
• Assist in transitioning designs from prototype to scalable production

Skills + Experience:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field 
• 10+ years of experience in RF design, analysis, or testing (space or related industry preferred) 
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, noise, and signal integrity 
• Experience with RF and EE simulation and design tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, Altium, or similar) 
• Hands-on experience with RF and EE test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, etc) 
• Familiarity with communication systems and link budget analysis 
• Ability to troubleshoot complex RF systems
• Experience designing RF systems for space or aerospace applications 
• Knowledge of satellite communications, GNSS, sensing or radar systems 
• Familiarity with radiation effects and space environment considerations 
• Experience with antenna design and integration, including concept and proposal development
• Understanding of EMI/EMC requirements and mitigation techniques 
• Hands-on engineering attitude with attention to detail and quality
• Experience working in a production or high-reliability environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Attention to detail in high-reliability designs 
• Ability to collaborate closely in fast-paced, cross-functional teams 
• Clear communication and documentation skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience leading space antenna programs in a defense or aerospace environment.

MMA also values:

• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

• Focus on delivering exceptional quality

• Technical passion and determination
• Natural leadership