Freelance Rf Design Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

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 an experienced RF Microwave Design Engineer with deep expertise in antenna systems and passive microwave hardware to support the development of next-generation spaceborne RF systems. In this role, you will lead the end-to-end design, analysis, and optimization of high-performance RF components—including antennas, antenna feed networks, orthomode transducers (OMTs), waveguide components, circulators, and other passive microwave devices—enabling precision RF front-end performance for mission-critical applications.

This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA office.

• Design and analyze antennas and antenna feed systems including feed horns, waveguide feeds, and polarization networks.
• Design, optimize, and validate orthomode transducers with high isolation, low loss, and broadband performance.
• Develop waveguide components such as transitions, bends, twists, couplers, filters, power dividers, and circulators.
• Perform passive RF and antenna analysis including impedance matching, isolation, insertion loss, and polarization.
• Conduct full-wave EM simulations of passive and antenna structures using 3D EM tools.
• Perform tolerance, thermal, and mechanical sensitivity analyses for precision passive hardware.
• Support fabrication, inspection, and RF testing of passive components, circulators, and antenna assemblies.
• Measure and analyze S-parameters, isolation, return loss, insertion loss, and antenna radiation characteristics.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and integration teams to ensure RF performance, robustness, and manufacturability.
• Generate detailed design documentation, drawings, and verification/test reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• 5-8+ years of professional experience in RF/microwave engineering.
• Strong foundation in antenna theory, waveguide theory, ferrite and passive microwave device theory.
• Demonstrated experience designing and building antennas, OMTs, waveguide-based components, and circulators.
• Proficiency with 3D EM simulation tools (HFSS, CST, FEKO, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with RF and antenna measurement techniques.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• 12+ years of professional experience in RF/microwave engineering.
• Experience with multi-band, dual-polarized, or wideband antenna systems.
• Knowledge of horn, reflector, array, or feed network architectures.
• Familiarity with ferrite materials, magnetic biasing, and non-reciprocal device behavior.
• Experience with spaceborne, airborne, or ground-based antenna and RF front-end systems.
• Understanding of environmental qualification and high-reliability passive RF design.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free Parking
• Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 DOE.