Senior RF Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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 seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior RF Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and analysis of space-based RF systems, including bothactive and passive architectures. In this role, you will support Umbra Mission Solutions as a critical contributor to ambitious programs and capture activities, working across teams to conceive, define, implement, and validate high-performance RF systems. This is a unique role, providing you with both ownership and oversight of new and innovative spacecraft products to support a variety of Mission Solutions customer mission sets.
Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office or Arlington, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of active (e.g., transmitters, amplifiers, phased arrays) and passive (e.g., antennas, filters, waveguides) RF systems for spacecraft.
• Perform RF system architecture design, trade studies, link budget analysis, and requirements definition.
• Conduct detailed RF modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, digital, and systems engineers to ensure integrated designs optimized for the given application.
• Generate technical documentation including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans.
• Oversee and support the testing and validation of RF hardware.
• Interface with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and customers throughout the lifecycle of the RF system.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and participate in design reviews.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of hands-on experience in RF system design, preferably for space applications.
• Deep knowledge of RF and microwave engineering, with expertise in both active and passive components.
• Proficiency with industry-standard RF simulation tools (e.g., CST, HFSS, ADS, MATLAB).
• Experience with space-qualified hardware development and knowledge of environmental constraints for on-orbit systems.
• Familiarity with relevant standards such as MIL-STD, NASA, ECSS, or CubeSat specifications.
• Current security clearance or willingness and ability to acquire one.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with space communications systems, radar, remote sensing, or SIGINT payloads.
• Hands-on experience with RF testing equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc.).
• Experience with antenna modeling and simulation tools (e.g. GRASP).
• Strong systems engineering background and experience working in cross-disciplinary development teams.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

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 in office daily

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.

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 $160,000 - $190,000 DOE.