Principal Microwave Payload Systems Engineer

Role details

Tomorrow.io is a leading weather intelligence and climate resilience platform helping organizations and governments make better decisions in a world of increasing weather volatility. By combining proprietary satellite technology, advanced AI forecasting models, and actionable analytics, Tomorrow.io delivers hyper-local weather insights that protect lives, strengthen operations, and build climate resilience globally. Our space program is core to this mission. We are building and operating a weather observation constellation powered by internally developed sensing technologies - transforming how atmospheric data is captured and used worldwide. Tomorrow.io’s Microwave Sounder constellation is changing the world and has demonstrated the ability to be a viable data source for the weather intelligence community ( NOAA Validation ) and we’re just getting started. Tomorrow.io is seeking a Principal Microwave Payload Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, development, integration, and delivery of next-generation space-based microwave sensing payloads for our satellite constellation programs. This role serves as the technical authority for microwave payload systems, translating atmospheric measurement objectives into robust RF payload architectures, performance models, requirements, and verification strategies. You will work across engineering, program leadership, external partners, and atmospheric science teams to deliver high-performance, mission-ready sensing systems that will strengthen Tomorrow.io’s global weather intelligence capabilities. You will join a collaborative, high-performing environment that values technical excellence, shared accountability, and the pursuit of ambitious, mission-driven engineering goals. *This role must be based out of the Golden, CO, Boston, MA or Washington D.C. area* What You’ll Do 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 What You Bring 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 The Promise 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 If your experience is close but doesn’t fulfill all requirements, please apply. Tomorrow.io is on a mission to build a special company. To achieve our goal, we are focused on hiring people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This position requires access to technology that is controlled under U.S. export control laws