Senior Microwave Engineer, Space Systems

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.

Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack.

Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight‑proven reliability where failure is not an option.

If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.

We are actively seeking a highly skilled and innovative Microwave Engineer who brings extensive knowledge of wave guides, low‑noise amplifier (LNA) assemblies and Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMAs). In this exciting and dynamic role, you will be involved with the design, simulation, testing and integration of advanced receiver and transmitter subsystems. These subsystems will encompass the full RF chains within our Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging constellation.

This position is based on‑site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

• 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.
• Lead lab level testing and validation of new microwave assemblies.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics 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).
• Proficiency with RF lab equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and noise figure analyzers.

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics 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…