RF Power Amplifier Engineer (m/w/d)

ZeroPhase

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As an RF Power Amplifier Design Engineer, you will spearhead the development of high-performance transmission chains for our sovereign SDR systems. In this role, you will be fundamental to designing, simulating, and validating high-efficiency, wideband power amplifiers that serve as the backbone of our connectivity hardware.

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

1. Intro call. 30 minutes with our recruiting team. We'll learn about your background, and you'll learn about the mission.
2. Deep dive. A working session with one of our RF/PA engineers on a real amplifier design problem.
3. 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.
4. 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.