Principal Microwave Payload Systems Engineer

About the role

Tomorrow.io is expanding its proprietary weather observation satellite constellation and seeks a technical authority to lead the development of next-generation microwave sensing payloads. You will oversee the full lifecycle of these instruments, from initial architecture and performance modeling through to on-orbit operations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define technical architectures and design strategies for microwave payloads across the entire product lifecycle.
• Translate atmospheric measurement objectives into specific instrument requirements and interface definitions.
• Manage system-level radiometric performance, including sensitivity, noise temperature, and error budget analysis.
• Perform trade studies regarding antenna systems, calibration methods, and digital signal processing.
• Oversee the integration of receivers, frequency generation, and data handling subsystems.
• Establish calibration procedures to ensure mission-ready performance.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, schedule, and cost.
• Support environmental testing, launch readiness, and post-launch operations.
• Coordinate with internal engineering teams, atmospheric scientists, and external partners.

Requirements

• 10-15+ years of experience in the development of complex space-based microwave sensing systems.
• Deep expertise in microwave radiometry, RF receiver architectures, or atmospheric sounding instrumentation.
• Proficiency in RF design, including low-noise amplifiers, frequency conversion, filtering, and digitization.
• Experience with radiometric performance modeling and calibration techniques such as noise diodes or reference loads.
• Understanding of antenna beam patterns, polarization, and scan geometries.
• Familiarity with space environment effects on RF hardware, including radiation and thermal stability.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or structured systems design.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Skills & tools

• Microwave radiometry
• RF system design
• Radiometric performance modeling
• Antenna systems
• Calibration architectures
• Model-based systems engineering (MBSE)

Practical notes

• This position is subject to U.S. export control laws and is restricted to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals.
• Compensation includes comprehensive health benefits and unlimited paid time off.
• Relocation assistance may be available for this role.
• If you do not meet all listed requirements but have relevant experience, you are encouraged to apply.
• Reasonable accommodations for the recruiting process are available upon request to jobs@tomorrow.io.