Senior RF High Power Amplifier Design Engineer

Description

Crescend Technologies is seeking a Senior High-Power Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to help us pioneer the future of solid-state, high-power RF energy. Under general supervision performs work of moderate complexity in managing, leading, and coordinating engineering activities related to RF High Power Amplifier hardware design, development and commercialization. This position is 100% on-site at our office located in Glendale Heights, Illinois.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and problem solve new and existing RF power amplifier designs for LMR (Low Band, VHF, UHF, 900MHz for P25 and Tetra systems)
• Develop new Solid State RF Energy L-Band and S-Band High Power Amplifiers.
• Lead the design and development of high-power amplifier blocks including matching networks, bias circuits, and thermal management.
• Utilize and apply the Smith chart for impedance matching, stability analysis, and designing power transfer matching networks.
• Work with GaN and LDMOS technologies to optimize amplifier efficiency, linearity, bandwidth and thermal management.
• Utilize simulation tools (AWR Microwave Office) to model, analyze and optimize RF circuit performance within PCBA layouts.
• Ensure design meets all specifications, (e.g., including gain, power output, efficiency, and
• ruggedness).
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to ensure robust designs.
• Maintain detailed design documentation and simulation results.
• Mentor and train other team members as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Proven experience in high- power RF amplifier design (e.g., 50-100W or higher).
• Strong proficiency with the Smith chart and its application in impedance matching and amplifier design.
• Expertise in GaN and /or LDMOS device technologies.
• Hands-on experience with RF simulation tools (preferable AWR Microwave Office, ADS).
• Demonstrated knowledge of RF circuit fundamentals, including small-signal analysis, stability and biasing networks, power and gain lineup analysis, Load Pull measurement.
• Strong, hands-on experience with troubleshooting, problem solving, development and integration skills.
• Proficient with hands-on testing of power amplifier performance (e.g., amplitude drive characterization, RF matching network with network analyzer.
• Proficiency in RF filter, coupler, balun and combiner design.
• Knowledge of P25, Tetra, DMR, FCC standards.
• Convey excellent oral and written communication.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Proficient in team environment.
• Embrace Crescend’s core values (Innovative, Commitment, Initiative & Intentional).
• Understanding RF power amplifier linearization concept techniques. 
• Ability to lead, plan, and execute projects within scope, budget, and timeline.

Preferred Requirements

• Active Amateur Radio (Ham) license is a plus.
• Experience with project management tool Jira

Education and Experience

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a focus on RF/Microwave engineering; and 5-7 years’ experience in RF high-power design engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed in this job position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The management of Crescend Technologies, LLC. Reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.