RF Design Engineer

RF Design Engineer

Wage: $60.00 - $75.00/hour

Location: Hanover Park, IL

Our client is a leading designer and manufacturer of solidstate RF power amplifiers and microwave generators, serving diverse sectors such as communications, aerospace, defense, medical, and scientific research. Our technology spans frequencies up to 40GHz and power levels exceeding 100kW. Founded by former Motorola engineering leaders, our team is known for its collaborative spirit, rapid innovation, and deep mastery of RF power amplifier design.

Why Work With Us?
- Direct involvement from engineering conception to physical design
- Work in a 22,000sf advanced facility committed to quality, speed, and on-time delivery
- Solve complex RF problems using GaN, LDMOS, MOSFET, and bipolar device technologies, with a focus on high-performance, application-specific designs up to 18GHz

As an RF Design Engineer, you will be the technical driver behind the design and development of RF power amplifier components, specifically targeting high-performance applications using GaN and LDMOS technologies. Youll lead projects involving amplifier designsnot generalist work, but deeply focused, system-level RF engineering from concept through implementation.

RF Design Engineer Responsibilities:
- Design, model, and simulate RF power amplifiers within the RF chain targeting up to 18GHz
- Engineer and optimize 50100W amplifier designs focusing on small-signal behavior, efficiency, linearity, and thermal management
- Utilize GaN and LDMOS technologiesno silicon-based devices
- Collaborate across internal manufacturing, testing, and quality teams to rapidly iterate and deliver reliable modules and systems
- Ensure designs meet performance targetsincluding gain, bandwidth, power output, and ruggednessfor high-stakes applications
- Support the transition from prototype to production, contributing documentation, design reviews, and debugging efforts
- Uphold company standards of engineering excellence, design speed, and collaborative innovation

Requirements for RF Design Engineer:
- Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering, with a focus in RF/Microwave engineering
- Demonstrable experience in designing RF amplifiers (50100W range) up to 18GHz
- Strong expertise in GaN and/or LDMOS device technologies; preference for GaN
- Solid RF chain knowledge, including small-signal analysis, stability, matching networks, biasing, and thermal considerations
- Skilled in industry-standard CAD and simulation tools (e.g., ADS, Microwave Office, Ansys HFSS)
- Strong fundamentals in signal integrity, linearity metrics (e.g., IP3, P1dB), noise figure, and power efficiency
- Excellent communication and teamworkengineer-led, fast-paced development environment
- Experience developing solid-state microwave generators or high-power RF products preferred
- Familiarity with ISO9001 quality systems or ITAR compliance is a plus
- Prior involvement in custom or client-tailored RF solutions preferred

What Youll Gain:
- Meaningful responsibility from initial design to hands-on product execution
- Opportunity to contribute to solutions across a diverse application landscapefrom aerospace and defense to medical, quantum, and industrial systems
- Work with a forward-thinking, specialized RF team known for engineering speed and innovation
- Engage with both cutting-edge technologies and real-world impact in high-power RF systems