​Experienced Electrical Engineer – RF & Microwave Power Electronics


​Starfire is seeking highly motivated persons to join our technical engineering team to support applied R&D across both product groups for RADION™ microwave plasma sources and nGen® & Centurion® particle accelerators.  Both groups leverage solid-state RF and microwave power electronics to achieve their aims.  We seek candidates with RF/microwave power electronics experience, e.g., high-voltage GaN microwave, component selection, RF circuit design & hardware layout, and BOM generation using to apply knowledge company-wide.  Building on your base electrical engineering skill set with solid-state LDMOS, high-voltage GaN/SiC and electronics aptitude building RF drivetrains, we will provide job-specific training unique to our products and technologies.  You will enjoy “hands-on” work and being part of an applied science team.

For experienced B.S. candidates, this position is eligible to earn an “on-the-job” Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) Degree through a professional program between Starfire and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Plasma Engineering or Electrical Engineering. If eligible and meeting requirements, Starfire will reimburse tuition costs for the M.Eng. while working 75% full time over a two-year period. The M.Eng. capstone project will be directly relevant to work at Starfire.

Job Summary:
​You will become a SME for RF module and integrated MW pallet design for Starfire product platforms. You are responsible for component selection, circuit layout, assembly, testing, debugging, and validation for RF/MW subsystems working closely with R&D for system-level prototype integration.  Primary role Centurion® and support for nGen® and RADION™ product lines.  Support production teams as needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develop RF/MW power electronics subsystems from conceptual design through electronics test/debug into prototype and production assembly deliverables. 

  • Support RF/MW electromagnetics design, simulation, and testing for R&D teams. 

  • Communicate consistently and openly with engineers, technicians, and managers.

  • Manage continuous improvement goals across product lines, manage supply chain obsolescence, and mitigate risks.

  • Operate and characterize particle accelerator and plasma source subsystems vs. intended requirements specifications.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Relevant Baccalaureate Degree (or greater) with experience 

    • e.g., Electrical Engineering or RF/Microwave Engineering degree

  • Proficient in basic circuit design, layout and BOM tools, such as Altium/KiCAD

  • Comfortable interfacing with mechanical design, such as SolidWorks

  • Experience with LDMOS or high-voltage GaN RF electronics, LCR design, noise immunity and simulations through LT SPICE (or equivalent)

  • Proficient with microwave test equipment, vector network analyzer, diagnostic tools, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings

  • Ability to take initiative, assume responsibility and work independently.  

  • Strong desire to learn and appreciates hands-on (re)work. 

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills fluent in English (written and verbal)

  • Proficient with MS Office Software & Teams Flexible and willing to work with multiple functional groups within the company

  • Passionate about technology and looking to apply that passion to a career

Desired Qualifications:  

  • Minimum 3+ years’ work experiences 

  • CNC mill, PCB layout, proven ability to multitask (e.g., handle projects in both R&D prototyping environment and production facility) 

  • RF/microwave circuit, cavity and antenna design experience and/or 3D electromagnetic simulation experience using Sonnet, COMSOL, CST Microwave Studio or Ansys HFSS

  • Experience with high-power staged GaN or LDMOS solid-state, or high-power tube amplifiers

  • Analog/digital communications and controls 

  • High-voltage design experience (>1kVdc) 

  • Proven ability to multitask (e.g., handle projects in both R&D prototyping environment and production facility) 

Salary commensurate with experience. Immediate start date.
This position is restricted to U.S. Persons only.

Send CV/resume and cover letter to hr@starfireindustries.com