RF Filter Design Engineer

About Us:

We are committed to finding smart solutions that enable an intelligent and seamless world. Our success as a world-class leader in technology has evolved from humble beginnings. In 1896, the enterprising father and son team of A.J. and George A. Briggs partnered with S.A. Buffington, a Chicago lawyer, to establish Chicago Telephone Supply Company (later to become CTS).

Today, CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators, and electronic components for suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. We have over 20 locations in 12 countries and more than 3,500 employees. Our innovative sensing, connectivity, and motion solutions offer a diverse range of products across diversified end markets including transportation, medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial. We are at the forefront of supporting innovating life-changing technology, focusing on quality to keep people safe, healthy, and happy. 

Position Summary

CTS is seeking an experienced RF Microwave Filter Design Engineer to join our New Product Development team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented engineer with a strong background in RF/microwave design, particularly in ceramic monoblock and dielectric resonator filters. You will play a key role in translating customer requirements into high-performance, manufacturable products for applications in telecommunications, defense, and high-reliability systems. The candidate must be able to work on-site in Albuquerque 5 days per week (M-F), with limited domestic travel (<10%).

Key Responsibilities

• Translate customer RF/microwave filter requirements (e.g., frequency range 500 MHz–6 GHz, insertion loss, return loss, rejection, power handling) into manufacturable designs that meet specifications and production goals.
• Optimize electrode artwork (metallization patterns) on ceramic monoblocks to achieve performance targets while minimizing tuning time and maximizing yield.
• Collect and analyze filter performance data (S-parameters, insertion/return loss, group delay, etc.); generate and maintain design documentation, including product datasheets, artwork drawings, material specifications, and tooling drawings.
• Use electromagnetic (EM) simulation and filter design tools such as AWR (Microwave Office), CST, or Ansys HFSS to model filter responses, perform tolerance/yield analysis, and guide iterative design improvements.
• Design supporting test circuits and PCBs (including layout considerations for impedance matching, grounding, and RF performance) to validate and tune filter prototypes.
• Develop and document initial tuning methodologies for new designs; collaborate with production operators and manufacturing teams to refine processes for optimal yield and repeatability.
• Perform sensitivity and tolerance analysis to ensure design robustness against manufacturing variations.
• Support full product lifecycle: from concept and prototyping through production ramp-up, qualification, and customer delivery.
• Work closely with materials engineers, production teams, and customers to resolve design and manufacturing issues.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in RF/microwave design, with significant focus on filter design (ceramic monoblock, dielectric resonator, or similar preferred).
• Proficiency with RF/microwave simulation tools such as AWR (Microwave Office), CST, or Ansys HFSS.
• Strong knowledge of RF ceramic filter theory, including dielectric materials, resonator coupling, and tuning techniques.
• Hands-on experience with microwave test equipment, including vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, and power meters for S-parameter measurements, tuning, and validation.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, production operators, and customers.
• Eligible to obtain/maintain a government security clearance (Secret or higher preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ceramic processing methods (e.g., co-firing, metallization, laser/abrasion tuning) and high-reliability RF applications (defense, telecom, space).
• Knowledge of planar circuitry (stripline, microstrip), lumped-element filters, impedance matching, and PCB design/layout for RF.
• Programming/scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automation, data processing, or simulation post-processing.
• Prior work on microwave filters in the 500 MHz–6 GHz range, including tolerance analysis, DFM (design for manufacturability), and yield optimization.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or related field; MS or PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of professional experience in RF/microwave engineering, with demonstrated success in filter design and product development (academic projects or internships may supplement but not replace professional experience).

Join Us

At CTS, one of the ways we recognize the value of our employees is through our comprehensive benefits program.  Highlights of our benefits program for full-time employees include:

• Health Benefits
• 401K
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement

Ready to shape the future? Apply now to join a world leader in sensing and connectivity.

United States EEO Statement

CTS Corporation is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer who complies with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CTS Corporation will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It has been and shall continue to be both the official policy and the commitment of CTS Corporation to further equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of, among other characteristics, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

ADA accommodation statement: If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, call Human Resources at 630.577.8811. All other applications must be submitted online.

United States Additional Considerations

It is unlawful in all states where the Company operates, including Massachusetts, to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates applicable laws may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. The Company does not require a lie detector test as a condition of employment nor continued employment. 

Applicants must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

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