Senior RF Systems Engineer, Umbra, VA, US

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. 

About the Team
Mission Solutions – The Platforms 
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.   

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. 

About the Job
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior RF Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and analysis of space-based RF systems, including bothactive and passive architectures. In this role, you will support Umbra Mission Solutions as a critical contributor to ambitious programs and capture activities, working across teams to conceive, define, implement, and validate high-performance RF systems. This is a unique role, providing you with both ownership and oversight of new and innovative spacecraft products to support a variety of Mission Solutions customer mission sets.
Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office or Arlington, VA office. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of active (e.g., transmitters, amplifiers, phased arrays) and passive (e.g., antennas, filters, waveguides) RF systems for spacecraft.
• Perform RF system architecture design, trade studies, link budget analysis, and requirements definition.
• Conduct detailed RF modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, digital, and systems engineers to ensure integrated designs optimized for the given application.
• Generate technical documentation including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans.
• Oversee and support the testing and validation of RF hardware.
• Interface with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and customers throughout the lifecycle of the RF system.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and participate in design reviews.
• Other professional duties as assigned.