Job Description: We are seeking a talented Space RF Engineer to design, develop, and test radio frequency (RF) systems for space-based applications, including materials selection for non-deployable and deployable antenna systems including phased arrays, parabolic and active/passive membrane-based solutions. This role supports the full lifecycle of RF hardware, from concept and prototyping through production and validation testing, to enable reliable communications and sensing missions in demanding space environments.
Job Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Product Ownership
- Lead the definition of RF solutions in support of advanced antenna arrays for space applications.
- Own the antenna system from concept to design for manufacture, qualification, testing and flight readiness.
- Translate mission and system requirements into robust antenna design solutions.
- Apply critical thinking to challenge assumptions and drive optimal, physics-based solutions.
- Maintain a pragmatic and goal-oriented mindset, balancing performance, cost, schedule, risk, and manufacturability.
Antenna Design + Simulation
- Design and develop high-performance RF systems and subsystems for spacecraft, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and RF front ends (e.g., phased arrays, reflectarrays, patch arrays, deployable architectures).
- Work in tight coordination with mechanical engineering to ensure seamless RF integration and optimized system performance.
- Perform RF analysis, modeling, and simulation (link budgets, noise figure, gain, interference, etc.)
- Support system architecture development for communications, telemetry, tracking, and payload applications
- Conduct component selection, schematic design, and layout guidance for RF circuits
- Select and qualify materials considering:
- EEE parts standards
- Radiation tolerance
- Thermal cycling
- Outgassing (ECSS/NASA compliance)
- Vacuum compatibility
- Oversee prototype development, including PCB-based RF structures, waveguide assemblies, and hybrid solutions
- Interface with suppliers and manufacturing partners
- Drive iterative prototyping cycles with a practical, solution-oriented approach
- Develop test plans and execute testing for RF performance, including range testing, lab, environmental, and other system-level testing
- Analyze test data and troubleshoot RF performance issues
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, mechanical, firmware, and manufacturing) to integrate RF hardware into spacecraft platforms
- Support environmental qualification (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) for spaceflight hardware
- Contribute to documentation including design reviews, test reports, and production packages
- Assist in transitioning designs from prototype to scalable production
Skills + Experience:
- Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
- 10+ years of experience in RF design, analysis, or testing (space or related industry preferred)
- Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, noise, and signal integrity
- Experience with RF and EE simulation and design tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, Altium, or similar)
- Hands-on experience with RF and EE test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, etc)
- Familiarity with communication systems and link budget analysis
- Ability to troubleshoot complex RF systems
- Experience designing RF systems for space or aerospace applications
- Knowledge of satellite communications, GNSS, sensing or radar systems
- Familiarity with radiation effects and space environment considerations
- Experience with antenna design and integration, including concept and proposal development
- Understanding of EMI/EMC requirements and mitigation techniques
- Hands-on engineering attitude with attention to detail and quality
- Experience working in a production or high-reliability environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail in high-reliability designs
- Ability to collaborate closely in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- Clear communication and documentation skills
Preferred qualifications:
- Prior experience leading space antenna programs in a defense or aerospace environment.
MMA also values:
- Strong collaboration and communication skills.
- Focus on delivering exceptional quality
- Technical passion and determination
- Natural leadership
Skills Required
- Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in RF design, analysis, or testing
- Strong understanding of transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, noise, and signal integrity
- Experience with RF and electrical engineering simulation and design tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, or Altium
- Hands-on experience with spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and related RF test equipment
- Familiarity with communication systems and link-budget analysis
- Ability to troubleshoot complex RF systems
- Experience designing RF systems for space or aerospace applications
- Knowledge of satellite communications, GNSS, sensing, or radar systems
- Familiarity with radiation effects and space-environment considerations
- Experience with antenna design and integration, including concept and proposal development
- Understanding of EMI/EMC requirements and mitigation techniques
- Hands-on engineering approach with attention to detail and quality
- Experience working in a production or high-reliability environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to collaborate in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- Clear communication and documentation skills
- Prior experience leading space antenna programs in a defense or aerospace environment
What We Do
MMA’s innovative, talented and agile team is passionate about creating Space Power, RF Payload and other Deployable solutions that open up a universe of possibilities for our customers. Our innovative research and development leads to the commercialization of revolutionary deployable solutions. We are in the business of forging relationships and breathing life into ideas. The solutions we bring to market have a positive impact in the world, and we firmly believe that our small company makes a huge difference. No matter what important function or high science the mission involves – whether supporting the American warfighter or finding water on the moon – we are committed to helping our customers accomplish MORE. Since 2007, we have achieved many significant milestones, including the first successful deployment and de-orbit of a space vehicle in less than 2 years with our dragNET de-orbit system. Two of the last five SmallSat missions of the year in 2018 and 2019, have been powered by MMA HaWK solar arrays -- including the first CubeSats to fly on an interplanetary mission on the Mars Cube One (MarCO) Mission. And, our P-DaHGR antenna flew on DARPA’s R3D2 mission, and demonstrated that a high capability, deployable antenna can be achieved in a very small package and in a short timeframe -- from CAD to low-earth-orbit in 20 months! Through Solutions, Exploration, Excellence and Disruption (SEEDs), MMA aims to enhance and preserve our way of life for many generations to come.
Why Work With Us
Space is our passion, and exploring is in our DNA. Our people are our superpower. Innovation is our way of life. We know we make a difference everyday. We believe quality happens by design. We accomplish MORE for our customers. Together, we know there's nothing we can't accomplish.
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