About the role
You will bridge the gap between digital signal processing and physical transmission, ensuring our software-defined waveforms are amplified with maximum fidelity and optimal power consumption.
What you'll do
- PA design & integration: Design and develop high-efficiency RF power amplifiers (PAs) specifically optimised for software-defined architectures (e.g. Doherty, Class E/F, or outphasing).
- Modelling & simulation: Perform non-linear circuit simulations (load-pull, harmonic balance) using ADS or AWR to optimise for gain, PAE (power added efficiency), and ACLR.
- Linearisation: Collaborate with DSP engineers to implement and validate Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) algorithms to maximise PA linearity.
- Hardware realisation: Drive the end-to-end process from schematic capture and PCB layout (emphasising thermal management and grounding) to hands-on prototyping.
- Characterisation: Perform complex measurements of modulated signals (EVM, peak-to-average power ratio) across various SDR-driven waveforms.
- Automation: Write Python scripts to automate PA characterisation across temperature, frequency, and voltage corners.
What we're looking for
- 3+ years of industry experience specifically focused on RF power amplifier design.
- Expertise in non-linear circuit simulation using ADS (Advanced Design System) or AWR Microwave Office.
- Deep understanding of PA architectures suited for SDR, including Gallium Nitride (GaN) or LDMOS technologies.
- Experience with matching network design for wideband applications to support frequency-agile SDRs.
- Hands-on experience with high-power test equipment: Vector Network Analysers (VNA), spectrum analysers, and power meters.
- Knowledge of how software-defined waveforms (QAM, OFDM) affect PA thermal and linearity requirements.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in electrical engineering, with a focus on RF/microwaves.
Bonus: not required
- Experience with thermal modelling for high-power RF components.
- Familiarity with envelope tracking (ET) techniques to improve efficiency.
- Proficiency in Altium Designer with a focus on RF layout best practices (impedance control, thermal vias).
- Experience designing in the Ku, Ka, or V-band frequency ranges.
- Knowledge of DPD (Digital Pre-Distortion) feedback loops and their impact on hardware design.
How the hiring process works
- Intro call. 30 minutes with our recruiting team. We'll learn about your background, and you'll learn about the mission.
- Deep dive. A working session with one of our RF/PA engineers on a real amplifier design problem.
- Case study, in Munich. A visit to the lab to work through a PA design scenario with the team, in person if you can make it or over Teams if you can't.
- The offer. By now you've likely already met our CEO. This round is where we make it official: fast, transparent, and built around the mission.