RF Hardware Architect

• RF System Architecture: Lead the definition and architectural design of complex RF hardware subsystems for satellite communication products, with a strong emphasis on Ku-band and Ka-band applications.
• Active Circuit Design: Drive the design, simulation, and validation of high-frequency active RF circuits, including but not limited to Power Amplifiers (PAs), Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), Mixers, Oscillators, Synthesizers, and highly integrated transceivers.
• Phased Array Expertise: Provide architectural leadership and hands-on design contributions to phased array antenna systems, including beam forming networks, array element design, and calibration strategies.
• Performance Optimisation: Optimise RF circuit performance for key metrics such as linearity, noise figure, power added efficiency (PAE), gain, and spurious emissions across wide operating bandwidths.
• Component Selection & Evaluation: Critically evaluate and select RF components, ICs, and technologies (e.g., GaN, GaAs, SiGe, CMOS) suitable for high-frequency and high-power applications, ensuring optimal trade-offs between performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Modelling and Simulation: Utilise advanced RF system and circuit-level models (e.g., in Keysight ADS, Cadence Virtuoso, MATLAB) to predict performance, analyse impairments, and validate architectural choices.
• Test & Validation Strategy: Define comprehensive test plans and lead the characterisation and validation of RF hardware from component level to integrated system level. Troubleshoot and resolve complex RF issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with antenna engineers, digital hardware teams, software developers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing partners to ensure seamless system integration and product realisation.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior RF engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Technology Roadmapping: Contribute to the long-term technology roadmap for RF hardware, identifying emerging trends and innovative solutions.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field. PhD is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in RF/Microwave hardware design and architecture, specifically focused on high-frequency active circuit development.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience designing and characterizing active RF circuits (PAs, LNAs, Mixers, VCOs/PLLs, Transceivers) operating in Ku-band (12-18 GHz) and/or Ka-band (26-40 GHz) frequencies.
• Extensive experience with phased array antenna systems, including architecture, design principles, beamforming, and array calibration.
• Proficiency in analysing results from RF/Microwave design tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, Cadence Virtuoso, Ansys HFSS, AWR MWO) for schematic capture, layout, simulation, and electromagnetic analysis.
• Solid understanding of RF system link budget analysis, non-linear effects, impedance matching, and transmission line theory.
• Experience with laboratory equipment such as Spectrum Analysers, Signal Generators, Power Meters, and Noise Figure Analysers at Ku/Ka-band frequencies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Experience with space-qualified RF hardware design, including radiation effects and reliability considerations.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability (DFM) in RF.
• Experience with module-level integration and testing.
• A Doctorate in a related field is preferred.

Astrome Technologies