Principal Microwave Payload Systems Engineer

- Lead the architecture definition, technical design, and execution of microwave payload systems across the full product lifecycle, from concept development through launch and on-orbit operations

- Translate atmospheric sensing objectives into instrument-level requirements, system architectures, interface definitions, and verification strategies

- Own system-level radiometric performance modeling, including system noise temperature, sensitivity, calibration performance, and error budgets

- Conduct technical trade studies across microwave front-end design, antenna systems, calibration approaches, digital signal processing architectures, and subsystem implementation options

- Guide integration of key microwave payload subsystems, including receivers, frequency generation, filtering, digitization, and data handling

- Define and lead calibration strategies to ensure payload performance meets atmospheric sensing and mission objectives

- Identify technical risks early, drive mitigation plans, and make informed technical decisions that balance performance, cost, schedule, and mission risk

- Support payload integration, environmental testing, verification, launch readiness, and on-orbit operations

- Collaborate closely with internal engineering teams, program leadership, external partners, and atmospheric scientists to deliver mission-ready payload systems

- Elevate systems engineering rigor, technical quality, and cross-disciplinary alignment across Tomorrow.io's space programs

- 10-15+ years of experience developing complex microwave space-based sensing systems

- Deep experience in microwave radiometry, MW/RF receiver architectures, or atmospheric sounding instrumentation

- Expertise in RF system design including low-noise amplifiers, frequency conversion chains, filtering, and digitization

- Experience modeling and analyzing radiometric performance, including noise temperature, sensitivity, calibration accuracy, and stability

- Strong understanding of antenna systems, beam patterns, polarization effects, and scan geometries

- Experience with calibration architectures (internal calibration targets, noise diodes, reference loads, or equivalent techniques)

- Experience leading assembly, integration, and test of MW hardware systems

- Familiarity with space environment impacts on MW/RF performance (thermal drift, radiation effects, stability)

- Proficiency with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or comparable structured systems approaches

- Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems and payload integration fundamentals

- Experience performing system-level trade studies and identifying/mitigating technical risks.

- Ability to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific domains, both internally and externally.

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical topics clearly to diverse audiences.

- Proven ability to make sound engineering judgments and operate effectively in dynamic, fast-moving development environments.

- Demonstrated integrity, transparency, and accountability in professional conduct.

- A system-level mindset that balances technical detail with overall mission execution.

- Demonstrated ability to lead through technical credibility and cross-functional influence

Joining Tomorrow.io as Principal Microwave Payload Systems Engineer means:

Make a measurable global impact - advance atmospheric sensing technologies that improve weather resilience worldwide

Influence foundational architectures - shape the future of microwave-based environmental sensing at Tomorrow.io

Solve challenging problems - work at the intersection of MW/RF engineering, space systems, data platforms, and climate innovation

Work in a mission-driven environment - join a team that values purpose, technical excellence, and thoughtful execution

At tomorrow.io we have established a workplace culture that values fairness and equal opportunities and we believe it is crucial for fostering a positive and productive environment. Regularly reviewing and adjusting pay practices to align with legitimate drivers of pay, such as job level, geographic location, and performance, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining equity within the organization.

This commitment to ongoing assessment and improvement is key to creating a workplace that is not only diverse and inclusive but also fair and just. The anticipated salary range for this role i s $200-215k subjec t to local market and candidates skills and experience. Comprehensive health benefits, unlimited paid time off and other benefits included.

Relocation assistance may be offered/available for certain roles.