Senior Radio Frequency Systems Engineer (US)

SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance applications and radio frequency (RF) products to building entire telecommunication satellites, the HummingSat, defining a new category in space.

SWISSto12 owns a significant amount of patented technologies uniquely suited to delivering lightweight, compact, high performance, and competitive RF systems. As such, the company has successfully established contracts for its product lines across the globe with industry leading partners and customers such as Intelsat, Thales, Elbit, IAI, Lockheed Martin, Frontgrade, and the European Space Agency.

SWISSto12 was founded in 2011 as a spin off from the EPFL in Lausanne, is privately owned and backed by prominent European Investors. The company is headquartered in Switzerland and operates two subsidiaries in the US and one in Israel, with a growing team of over 70 people. The company is well funded, has rapidly growing customer revenue streams, and a substantial future contract backlog.

SWISSto12 is recruiting a Sr. RF Systems Engineer to grow its market share in the US for RF products and subsystems, working in collaboration with its local partner Frontgrade. In this role you will be the technical authority for the US market portfolio of advanced RF antenna & RF cavity products and capabilities for the US RFAM division of SWISSto12, leveraging SWISSto12’s proprietary additive manufacturing processes for the realization of complex, high reliability, RF products, antennas, and arrays.

SWISSto12 is partnered with Frontgrade (LINK) to market its Additively Manufactured (AM) RF technology to US customers. Under this partnership, FRONTGRADE has built an end-to-end manufacturing and test capability based on SWISSto12’s unique and patented technology, at the FRONTGRADE Exeter (NH) facility. In addition to the manufacturing capability, SWISSto12 and FRONTGRADE routinely collaborate on product development, as well as supporting companies in the US, primarily in the Aerospace industry, with SWISSto12’s proprietary technology. SWISSto12’s extensive RFAM heritage consists primarily of complex integrated RF cavity-based assemblies (e.g., feed assemblies), antenna arrays and complete antenna systems for satellite communications, electronic surveillance, and radar applications, primarily in the space, airborne and surface domains.

This position requires an experienced and accomplished technology leader with deep expertise in the technical aspects of antenna and RF cavity-based devices such as feeds, filters, waveguides, integrated RF assemblies, and RF front ends.

In this role, you will be responsible for the following functions:

Apply advanced RF technologies, scientific principles, theories, concepts, analyses, and simulations to form the basis for state-of-the-art solutions to propose to US customers according to their needs.
Coordinate and support requirements analysis and decomposition. Engage with customer system architects to understand requirements and needs – and develop tradeoffs, concepts, and solutions to meet those needs. Participate in proposals, technical baseline development, and cost estimating.
Support the design, development, and analysis of sophisticated RF/Microwave Antennas and RF cavity-based components. Support the development of early concepts and prototypes, and testing.
Perform system design, optimization and trade studies using finite element simulation tools.
Prepare documentation for customers in support of captures, bids, proposals, work in progress and deliverables. Lead technical presentations to customers during concept development phase, TIMS, PDRs, CDRs, TRB milestones.
Collaborate with colleagues in RF, mechanical, manufacturing, quality engineering in the US and Europe as well as partner staff from Frontgrade for the execution of advanced programs.
Participate in US market strategy development, particularly focused on the product technical roadmap. Contribute to planning and execution of divisions strategic goals. Plan R&D programs and recommend technology programs to accomplish long-range objectives.
Contribute to US Product training to the US Business Development and Sales and any Sales Representatives as required.
For the avoidance of doubt, this position does not cover the commercial development of the spacecraft product line of SWISSto12.
Occasionally, you will be asked to participate in overall tasks and services inherent to a dynamic fast-growing company.

Required experience and competencies:

At least 5 years’ experience in RF antenna and waveguide component and assembly design, development, and test
Demonstrated problem-solving mind-set with a willingness to build proposals against challenging customer requirements.
Excellent ability to write complex technical, scientific and management documents.
Ability to use RF analysis and design tools such as Ansys HFSS or CST or TICRA (POS, CHAMP, or GRASP) or equivalent.
Able to work on a self-initiated basis while being part of a team.
Very well organised.
Communicating effectively, excellent relational skills and ability to work in a team with different professional and cultural backgrounds
Good customer focus with experience in engaging with customers and supplier.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on microwave antennas and microwave electronics.
Language: Fluent in English (with emphasis on excellent writing skills)
This role requires the ability to review and respond to export-controlled data and therefore requires that the applicant be a US citizen or green card holder.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

At least 10 years’ experience in RF antenna and waveguide component and assembly design, development, and test
PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on microwave antennas and microwave electronics.
Active US DOD Secret clearance and be eligible for a Top Secret clearance

The position is located with SWISSto12 team in Pennsylvania, with frequent on-site engagement at the CAES facility in Exeter, NH. The role will require extensive traveling (40-60%) in the US to meet with customers and partners as well as regular travel to the Lausanne, Switzerland headquarters for training and periodic support of non-US customer efforts.

Interested applicants are requested to apply through LinkedIn

About FRONTGRADE:

FRONTGRADE is a leader in the field of advanced electronics for the most technologically challenging aerospace and defense systems. As the largest provider in the US of mixed-signal and radiation-hardened technology to the United States aerospace and defense industry, FRONTGRADE delivers high-reliability RF, microwave and millimeter wave, microelectronic, and digital solutions. On land, at sea, in the air, in space and in cyberspace, FRONTGRADE’ extensive electronics and enhanced manufacturing capabilities are at the forefront of mission-critical innovation. www.Frontgrade.com

SWISSto12 is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. EEO M / F / D / V