Job Title:
Senior RF & Microwave Engineer – Quantum Sensing Systems
Company: smarthyre
Location: Sangli, Maharashtra
Created: 2026-04-25
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
About the RoleWe are seeking exceptional and top tier talent in the field of RF and Microwave Engineering withstrong foundations in electromagnetics, transmission line theory, and low-noise circuit design.The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between theoretical physics and physical hardware,collaborating closely with quantum physicists and instrument engineers to design theelectromagnetic environment that governs our sensors.You will design and implement RF control chains, ultra-low phase noise synthesizers, andprecision PCBs that enable atomic manipulation and readout in the 1–10 GHz range.What You’ll DoRF Chain Design & SimulationDesign and simulate end-to-end RF control chains for atomic manipulation (L-Band to X-Band / 1–10 GHz), including LNAs, Mixers, Attenuators, and Switches.Develop ultra-low phase noise frequency synthesizers (PLLs/VCOs) required for preciseatomic clock and magnetometer locking.Use industry-standard solvers (HFSS, CST Studio, or ADS) to model microwaveresonator cavities, coil geometries, and antenna radiation patterns.Antenna Design & Electromagnetic ModelingDesign and simulate custom antenna elements (Patch, Horn, Helical, or ResonantLoops) for radiating microwave fields into atomic vapor cells with high uniformity.Model and optimize antenna parameters including Gain, VSWR, Radiation Pattern, andPolarization using full-wave solvers (HFSS, CST Studio, or FEKO).Design near-field applicators and resonant cavities to maximize magnetic field couplingefficiency for quantum state manipulation.PCB Layout & Signal IntegrityLead the layout of mixed-signal PCBs (4 to 8+ layers) using Altium Designer, ensuringisolation between RF, sensitive analog, and noisy digital sections.Implement controlled impedance routing (Microstrip, Coplanar Waveguide) and managelayer stack-up selection (Rogers, specialized dielectrics).Analyze and mitigate EMI/EMC issues to ensure external noise (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) doesnot desensitize nT-level magnetometers.Testing, Validation & PrototypingCharacterize prototypes using Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Spectrum Analyzers,and high-speed Oscilloscopes.Measure and optimize critical parameters: Phase Noise, Noise Figure, IP3, and S-parameters (S11, S21).Perform hands-on board bring-up, soldering, and microscopic rework of RF components.Ideal Candidate ProfileMTech / Ph.D. in Electronics & Communication, RF Engineering, Electrical Engineering,or Applied Physics. Exceptional BTech graduates may also apply.5 - 8 years of research and/or professional experience in RF circuit design, microwaveengineering, or precision instrumentation.Proven expertise in EDA tools (Altium Designer preferred) and Simulation suites (HFSS,CST, ADS, or Microwave Office).Strong grasp of Smith Charts, Impedance Matching, Transmission Lines, and S-Parameters.Hands-on mastery of lab equipment: VNAs (calibration & measurement), Spectrum Analyzers, and Signal Generators.Familiarity with Phase Noise concepts and their impact on Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).Preferred Skills (Bonus)Experience with Quantum Sensing (NMR, Atomic Clocks, Rydberg Atoms).Familiarity with Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms (Ettus, Epique).Knowledge of FPGA integration with RF front-ends.Experience in custom antenna design (Patch, Loop, Helical).What We OfferOpportunity to pioneer cutting edge quantum sensing echnologies in India.Work alongside a multidisciplinary R&D team of physicists, engineers, and AIresearchers.Access to cutting-edge datasets and hardware infrastructure.Competitive compensation, milestone bonuses, and IP participation opportunities.