Senior Antenna & RF Design Engineer

Umbra Rf Microwave 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. 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.

We are seeking an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne RF systems. In this role, you will lead the end-to-end design, analysis, and optimization of high-performance RF components—including antennas, antenna feed networks, orthomode transducers (OMTs), waveguide components, circulators, and other passive microwave devices—enabling precision RF front-end performance for mission-critical applications.

This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA office.

• Design and analyze antennas and antenna feed systems including feed horns, waveguide feeds, and polarization networks.
• Design, optimize, and validate orthomode transducers with high isolation, low loss, and broadband performance.
• Develop waveguide components such as transitions, bends, twists, couplers, filters, power dividers, and circulators.
• Perform passive RF and antenna analysis including impedance matching, isolation, insertion loss, and polarization.
• Conduct full-wave EM simulations of passive and antenna structures using 3D EM tools.
• Perform tolerance, thermal, and mechanical sensitivity analyses for precision passive hardware.
• Support fabrication, inspection, and RF testing of passive components, circulators, and antenna assemblies.
• Measure and analyze S-parameters, isolation, return loss, insertion loss, and antenna radiation characteristics.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and integration teams to ensure RF performance, robustness, and manufacturability.
• Generate detailed design documentation, drawings, and verification/test reports.