RF Design Engineer

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for an RF Design Engineer at our Chandler, AZ location.

About Crane:

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). From supplying microwave products for GPS satellites to integrated assemblies for the latest innovative defense platforms, come join an industry-leading aerospace & defense manufacturer based in beautiful, sunny Chandler, Arizona. You’ll join a first-class, dynamic organization steeped in rich culture and an established track record of delivering customers premier, quality products. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with prime OEMs and help us develop state-of-the art solutions – all in a family-first community with top-rated schools and an abundance of recreational activities. Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!

Job Summary:

The RF Engineer III is a senior contributor who works highly independently and will use established procedures and work under limited supervision to perform assigned tasks by working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Suppliers and Customers. The RF Engineer III specializes in complex technical matters and provides engineering services for RF/Microwave/ Millimeter communications hardware systems for defense application including responsibility for technical proposals, prototype to production, performance, customer presentations, schedule, and cost requirements. Will have expert knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures of assigned product or program. May lead a team of engineers on assigned projects.

Essential Functions:

• Perform end‑to‑end systems analysis, including modeling and simulating RF/mixed‑signal circuit performance (VHF to millimeter‑wave), cascade analysis, filter design, and evaluation of new communications technologies for spaceflight.

• Design, analyze, and develop RF and mixed‑signal hardware such as digital receiver subsystems, exciters, PLLs, AGC loops, synthesizers, and A/D–D/A conversion stages; document designs with simulations, measurements, and tolerance analyses.

• Integrate, test, and validate RF/millimeter‑wave hardware for spaceflight applications, providing input to test procedures, fixtures, and supporting prototype‑to‑production transitions.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and serve as a technical interface to customers, ensuring designs meet electrical, environmental, and manufacturing requirements; support specification development and respond to RFQ/RFPs with engineering inputs.

• Mentor junior engineers and support internal concurrent design efforts while contributing to design standards, manufacturability considerations, and internal review processes.

• Generate required design documentation, manage scope within customerrequirements, and perform additional tasks as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Experience : 5-7+ years of experience in microwave/millimeter-wave design theory component design; Experience with high reliability hardware from conceptual design through flight delivery; Experience with microwave modeling tools (I.e., Gensys, ADS, AWR, Ansoft HFSS, Ansoft Designer, Ansoft Maxwell, Matlab and AutoCAD or equivalent software.

• Knowledge : Knowledge of complex communication systems theory; Systems architecture, RF architecture, RF/Microwave circuit design; Detailed knowledge of RF and mixed-signal design techniques and technologies, including receivers, synthesizers, and transmitters; Millimeter wave Radio systems design; synthesizer design, mixers, amplifiers, PLLs, low phase noise VCOs, filters, etc., from DC > 40Ghz; Magnetic circuit analysis experience desired.

• Skill : Excellent documentation, organization and time management skills, Ability to write procedures, reports, and acceptances test; Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects through complete cycle; Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in team environment.

• Education/Certification : BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Masters or PhD degree preferred.

• Eligibility Requirement: This position requires access to Controlled Data or Information. Where the position requires such access only US persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

• Applicants selected could be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Working Conditions :

• Standard office environment

• Work requires substantial visual concentration on detail

• Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment

• Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE

• May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes

Standing: 10% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task

Sitting: 90% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task

Lifting (in pounds): up to 10 pounds

Pushing (in pounds): up to 10 pounds

Mental/Visual: use of computer, calculator, filing cabinets

Workspace (line, cube, etc): cubicle/desk

Top Benefits:

As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you’ll enjoy:

• Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month

• Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.

• 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match

• Education Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employment

You can see a list of our benefits at or visit our website at for more information on our company and great opportunities.

We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value.

In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.

#LI-DA1 #CAE

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

At Crane, we believe that attracting and retaining the highest quality people is the best insurance of success. Our goal is to recruit talented people and train them within a culture that calls for performance with trust and respect. Join us.

The unique backgrounds and differences of our associates make us stronger, more capable, and more successful. Beyond an associate’s base compensation, we reward and reinforce wellbeing with a compelling package of both cash and non-cash benefits, including comprehensive health, wellness incentives, assistance with retirement savings, paid time off, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement — as well as performance-based bonus programs for certain positions. Crane prioritizes career development for our associates. All associates receive an annual development plan that includes a mixture of on-the-job coaching and formal training experiences to support individual development needs. We firmly believe in associate growth that supports career progression and we will proactively support your ongoing career development.