Principal RF Engineer

Principal RF System Engineer Overview – Q Microwave, An Amphenol Company Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting-edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a Principal RF System engineer to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast-paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies—technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol’s global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world’s largest interconnect solution providers. In this role, you will be at the forefront of new product development, leading cross‑functional teams to define system architecture and drive products from concept to full‑rate production. The position demands a strong technical foundation in RF systems and subsystems, the ability to dissect complex requirements into functional designs, and a proactive engagement with customers and internal stakeholders alike. Responsibilities Designing top-level system architectures that encompass RF amplification, high-performance filtering, antenna integration, digital/analog controls, power, and embedded firmware/software. Generate block/flow diagrams, interconnection drawings (ICDs), electrical schematics. Generate models or simulations aiding in predicted performance for the system or RF filter products. Evaluate specifications and product design targets including customer requirements, testing procedures, and drawing packages. Generate technical content for product design updates, new product introduction, and production proposals, including generating production readiness assessments and cost/technical proposals. Lead a cross functional team of electrical, mechanical, manufacturing engineering to execute product development and production readiness. Demonstrate ownership of the full electrical product lifecycle—from initial design through material selection, production support, and final delivery—while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, executive leadership, and end customers to ensure technical excellence and on‑time execution. Problem solve production issues related to electrical, mechanical, materials, and manufacturing aspects in a high product mix production environment. Assist in the design optimization of RF performance including circuit analysis and simulation, component, material, and process selection, PCB layout and mechanical packaging. Team up with technicians and assemblers on test, tune, and debug of RF products to optimize performance. Travel as necessary to support customer visits, technical support, and applications. Qualifications Minimum: Bachelor's degree in a Electrical Engineering, RF Three - Five (3-5) years of working in an RF‑product design, System engineering or RF production environment. Experienced in working in a networked environment using a Windows and/or Windows-like interface including MS Office tools (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word) at an advanced level. Familiarity with Engineering CAE/CAD tools such as LabView, AutoCAD, Solidworks, Cadence MWO, and Keysight ADS. This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by US export laws. In order to be eligible for this position, you must be a “US Person” under US export laws (or eligible for approval under a U.S. Government export license). Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance. Preferred Five (8) to Eight (10+) years experience. Masters Degree in a Technical Field. Active Security Clearance. Background in Defense Industry. Familiarity with component selection for high-reliability/aerospace/defense applications. Additional Qualifications Excellent technical communication, documentation, and organizational skills. Project Management skills: Proven project management experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through full product lifecycle, including planning, execution, risk management, and delivery of complex RF/microwave systems in a high-mix manufacturing environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr