Microwave Electronics Design Engineer

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.

About the Team
Mission Solutions – The Platforms
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra.

About the Job
We are actively seeking a highly skilled and innovative Microwave Electronics Design Engineer who brings extensive knowledge of low-noise amplifier (LNA) assemblies as well as Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMAs). In this exciting and dynamic role, you will be at the forefront of designing and integrating advanced receiver and transmitter subsystems. These subsystems will intricately combine essential components such as low-noise amplification, mixers, local oscillators, up/down conversion, and RF filtering. Your work will culminate in the creation of sleek, high-performance microwave assemblies that push the boundaries of technology and performance, contributing significantly to our mission of delivering top-tier solutions.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office, Arlington, VA office, or Reston, VA office (coming soon).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop LNAs and multi-function IMAs incorporating filtering, mixers, and frequency conversion stages.
• Architect RF signal chains for up-conversion and down-conversion, balancing noise figure, linearity, spurious performance, and gain.
• Design RF, IF, and LO paths including filters, couplers, and matching networks.
• Perform circuit-level and EM simulations of active and passive structures.
• Support layout, packaging, and integration of multi-chip and hybrid microwave assemblies.
• Lead prototype bring-up, test, and troubleshooting of IMAs across frequency, temperature, and power.
• Measure and analyze gain, noise figure, conversion loss, IP3, spurs, and phase noise.
• Collaborate with systems, digital, and mechanical teams to meet end-to-end RF requirements.
• Generate design documentation, ICDs, and verification reports.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5-8+ years of professional experience in RF, microwave, or mixed-signal electronics design, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability applications.
• Strong background in RF/microwave electronics architectures and design.
• Hands-on experience designing & building LNAs, mixers, and frequency-conversion stages.
• Proficiency with RF design and simulation tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, CST, or similar).
• Experience with RF lab equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and noise figure analyzers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of professional experience in RF, microwave, or mixed-signal electronics design, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability applications.
• Knowledge of image-reject, single-sideband, or multi-conversion architectures.
• Familiarity with LO distribution, phase noise budgeting, and spurious analysis.
• Experience with space, defense, or high-reliability RF systems.
• Understanding of manufacturability, screening, and environmental qualification.
• Active security clearance.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free Parking
• Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 DOE.