Senior RF Design Engineer

Senior RF Design Engineer

Location: Souderton, PA, US, 18964 Business Unit: RF Power & Test Solutions

Join AMETEK Amplifier Research, a global leader in RF and EMC test and measurement solutions. Our portfolio includes high-power RF and microwave amplifiers, hybrid power amplifier modules, antennas, and advanced system control software used by customers worldwide. As a member of our engineering team, you will play a key role in developing next-generation RF technologies, driving technical innovation, and helping shape industry-leading products that address complex electromagnetic compatibility and high-power RF challenges.

Job Summary

The Senior RF Design Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the architecture, design, development, and validation of advanced RF and microwave power amplifier products and subsystems. This role provides subject matter expertise across the full product development lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through production release and sustaining engineering. The successful candidate will lead complex engineering projects, mentor junior engineers, drive technical decision-making, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver innovative, high-performance RF solutions that meet business objectives, customer requirements, and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, development, and optimization of RF and microwave circuits for broadband and high-power amplifier systems.
• Define RF architectures and technical approaches for new product development programs.
• Perform advanced RF component characterization, modeling, simulation, and performance analysis.
• Lead design reviews and provide technical oversight throughout product development activities.
• Develop matching networks, power combining structures, gain stages, bias circuits, and related RF subsystems.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and troubleshooting of complex RF, thermal, electrical, and system-level issues.
• Drive prototype development, integration, verification testing, and product qualification activities.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans and validation methodologies.
• Utilize simulation and design tools such as ADS, Microwave Office, CST Studio Suite, HFSS, and equivalent software platforms.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams to ensure successful product execution.
• Support technology roadmaps by evaluating emerging RF technologies, semiconductor devices, materials, and industry trends.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Support customer-facing technical discussions, failure investigations, and custom solution development where required.
• Generate and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including specifications, design reports, test reports, and engineering change documentation.
• Contribute to intellectual property development, including invention disclosures and patent activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with a minimum of 8–10 years of RF/microwave design experience, or master's degree in electrical engineering with 6+ years of relevant industry experience. Proven experience designing RF and microwave power amplifiers, high-frequency circuits, and related subsystems. Strong knowledge of transmission line theory, impedance matching, Smith Chart analysis, RF network design, and microwave engineering principles. Demonstrated proficiency with RF design and simulation tools, including ADS, Microwave Office, or equivalent EDA platforms. Extensive hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power measurement systems. Experience translating customer and system requirements into robust engineering designs. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Due to the nature of Amplifier Research products and programs, candidates must have the legal right to work in the U.S. and be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

Desired Qualifications

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in RF, Microwave, or Electromagnetic Engineering. Experience designing high-power RF amplifier systems utilizing LDMOS, GaN, or GaAs semiconductor technologies. Working knowledge of semiconductor device physics, nonlinear device modeling, and power amplifier design techniques. Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Studio Suite, HFSS, or similar platforms. Experience with thermal analysis, reliability engineering, and manufacturability considerations for RF products. Familiarity with EMC/EMI testing, regulatory requirements, and RF compliance standards. Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex development programs. Knowledge of materials science, advanced packaging technologies, and high-frequency PCB design practices. Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and contribute to technical talent development. Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Leadership Competencies

Technical leadership and strategic thinking. Project ownership and execution excellence. Cross-functional collaboration and influence. Continuous improvement mindset. Customer-focused problem solving. Mentorship and team development.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the Senior RF Design Engineer will: Lead one or more major RF amplifier development programs from concept through design validation. Serve as a recognized technical expert for RF and microwave amplifier technologies. Drive measurable improvements in product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and development efficiency. Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to building technical capabilities across the organization. Support the enhancement of Amplifier Research's technology roadmap and future product portfolio.

What's in It for You

Competitive compensation, holiday pay, and paid time off. Great benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance 401(k), plus matching. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings account (HSA) with AMETEK contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, and family medical leave. Paid Parental Leave. Employee referral program. Tuition reimbursement program. Employee assistance program. Exciting, fast-paced environment where you could make a true impact. Opportunities for career advancement within our business unit and across all other AMETEK business entities.