What are the responsibilities and job description for the RF SSPA Design Engineer position at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Job Descriptions :

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is looking for an experienced RF SSPA Design Engineer to work onsite at their San Jose, CA location.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ : KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises.

At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actions—always striving to do the right thing.

Kratos offers medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and more.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY : As a RF & Microwave Solid State Power Amplifier Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of RF & Microwave solid state power amplifiers (SSPAs), from conceptual system level design to device and component selection. You will develop and prototype SSPAs at frequencies from 500 MHz to 60 GHz using state-of-the-art device technologies including GaN, GaAs, InP, and SiGe. You will design products that are intended to operate in harsh environments for high reliability applications in the aerospace & defense market including land-based, ship-board, airborne, and space platforms. Expected to work both independently and as a member of a multi-functional team. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance, if needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS : The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of RF Design Engineers. Each successive level also has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

Complete knowledge and full understanding of area of specialization, principles and practices within a professional discipline.
Assesses unusual circumstances and uses sophisticated analytical and problem-solving techniques to identify cause.
Resolves and assesses a wide range of issues in creative ways and suggests variations in approach.
This job is the fully qualified, experienced professional, journey-level position.
Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
Devises solutions based on limited information and precedent and adapts existing approaches to resolve issues.
Uses evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select right course of action.
Work is done independently and is reviewed at critical points.
Enhances relationships and networks with senior internal / external partners who are not familiar with the subject matter often requiring persuasion.
Adapts style to differing audiences and often advises others on difficult matters.
Other duties as assigned.

RF Design Engineer III Essential Job Functions :

System level block diagram development, cascade analysis, and physical design and mechanical / architectural layout including designing to meet customer reliability and derating requirements.

Design RF & microwave amplifier assemblies, analog control circuits, power supplies and power conditioning circuitry, and some basic digital circuitry for command-&-control and fault sensing & reporting.

Design RF matching networks using harmonic balance non-linear simulation, large signal models, and load-pull contours.

Design for manufacturability, automated assembly & test (DFMAT)

Responsible for design and layout of both MIC hybrid (chip-&-wire) modules and SMT PCBA assemblies using Cadence’s Microwave Office, AutoCAD, and Altium, ORCAD, or Allegro.

Work with production personnel in Assembly & Test to support the build, tuning & alignment, and test of SSPA products.

Responsible for the on-time development and delivery of new products to customer schedules within budget, adhering to the Product Development Process stage gate process.

Contribute to Bid & Proposal activities as assigned to address new customer requirements.

Experience in RF and Microwave circuit design including simulation and layout with relevant RF & mechanical CAD software (e.g. Microwave Office, VSS, CST, Altium, AutoCAD, etc.).

Practical bench skills with RF test equipment in a cleanroom lab environment.

Experience with RF test equipment including Signal Generators, Network Analyzers, VNAs / PNAs, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, etc.

RF Design Engineer IV Essential Job Functions :