Staff RF Engineer (R5991)

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company, is looking for an RF and Microwave Hardware Design Engineer in Seattle to design and deliver compact, high-performance RF modules for airborne and ground systems. The role focuses on hands-on module design rather than top-level communications architecture, waveform development or link-budget ownership.

Key responsibilities

• Own RF and microwave module designs from requirements and architecture through schematic capture, component selection, layout, bring-up, verification, qualification and production release.
• Design active and passive RF circuits such as LNAs, PAs, filters, multiplexers, switches, limiters, couplers, attenuators, power detectors and frequency-conversion stages.
• Develop RF front-end assemblies meeting gain, noise figure, output power, linearity, stability, isolation and emission requirements.
• Perform circuit and electromagnetic analysis with tools such as Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, HFSS or CST, correlating models with measured hardware.
• Create and review RF and mixed-signal PCB designs, including controlled-impedance routing, grounding, shielding, stack-up and power distribution.
• Run laboratory characterization with network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, noise-figure analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes and automated test equipment.
• Diagnose hardware issues such as instability, oscillation, intermodulation, desense, thermal drift and mismatch.
• Work with mechanical, thermal, avionics, communications, antenna, manufacturing and test engineers within size, weight, power, cooling and environmental constraints.
• Develop verification methods, production test strategies, calibration approaches and technical documentation, and support qualification, supplier engagement, ground and flight testing.
• Take part in design reviews, share knowledge and mentor other engineers.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on experience owning an RF or microwave circuit, module or PCB assembly through fabrication, bring-up, debugging and verification.
• Ability to work on-site in a laboratory and hardware-development environment.
• Preferred: experience with RF front ends for airborne, defense, space or robotics systems, and with GaN/GaAs power amplifiers, MMICs, LNAs, switches and limiters.
• Preferred: ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance, including S/SAR level access, if required.

Required skills

• S-parameters, impedance matching, transmission lines, stability, gain, noise figure, linearity and isolation.
• RF PCB layout with controlled impedance, grounding and shielding.
• RF laboratory instruments and calibration methods.
• Preferred: Altium Designer and simulation tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS or CST; Python or MATLAB for automated characterization; EMI/EMC design and qualification.