about me

I've been doing engineering for about 30 years and my specialties are Microwave and Millimeter-wave packaging, modules, antennas, electronics, and systems

B.S. Electrical Engineering, California State University, Long Beach

M.S. Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
Ph.D. Systems Engineering, Colorado State University

I have developed multiple products that have transitioned to volume production, have started successful multi-seven figure companies, am a published author of several engineering books, have taught engineering courses at the university level, am a senior member of the IEEE, have seven awarded U.S. patents, am a HAM radio operator, and I very much enjoy RF and microwave engineering.

"I am an RF and Microwave Engineer Because I have Always Been Captivated By Radio Waves"

My passion for microwave and millimeter-wave engineering started early in my life, driven by a fascination with how radio waves shape our world. I became an amateur radio operator as a young person. I built my own antennas, transmitters, receivers, and so many other things as an amateur radio operator.

To this day, I consider myself to be a “hands on” engineer. I am as comfortable in a lab environment as I am doing cutting edge design with state of the electromagnetic simulators. This has given me a passion and skill that provides my customers with significant value.

I remember a project where a client faced performance issues with a critical system. Through collaboration and detailed engineering, I designed a solution that not only exceeded their performance expectations but also met their cost requirements. Moments like this fuel my commitment to delivering high-quality results.

I approach every project with the same dedication and tailoring solutions to each customer’s needs. My goal is to not just meet technical requirements but to build lasting relationships founded on trust, reliability, and exceptional results.

Bob Eberlein, Freelance CFO

"Rick can effectively apply technology to create enterprise value: selecting practical applications, combining complementary technology, assembling the people and resources needed to deliver technology solutions, and developing market strategies. Working with Rick is educational, rewarding, and fun."

Glenn Murata, RF Integrity Engineer

"Rick is an excellent engineer. He has a deep understanding of RF and Microwave circuits. We worked together and attended UCLA on the Microwave Fellowship program which emphasized a deep study of microwave circuits, antennas, electromagnetics, and computer aided design. He has always been great to work with."
LinkedIn Review

Selected Publications

Books

[1] R. Sturdivant, Microwave and Millimeter-wave Electronic Packaging (Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2014).

[2]. R. Sturdivant, M. Harris, T/R Modules For Radar and Communication Systems (Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2015). Book Review of my T/R Module Book by Dr. James Chu.

[3]. R. Sturdivant, A.J. Bogdon, Hands On Guide To Heat Transfer For Microwave and Millimeter-wave Electronics (Amazon, 2015).

[4]. K. Kuang, R. Sturdivant, ed. RF and Microwave Microelectronics Packaging II (Switzerland: Springer Publilshing, 2017).

[5]. R. Sturdivant, C. Quan, E. Chang, Systems Engineering of Phased Arrays (Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2018).

Book Chapters

[1] R.Sturdivant, “Fundametals of Packaging at Microwave and Millimeter-wave Frequencies”, Chapter 1 in RF and Microwave Microelectronics Packaging I (Springer, 2010).

[2] R. Sturdivant, “Introduction to Radio Frequency and Microwave Microelectronic Packaging,” Chapter 1 in RF and Microwave Microelectronics Packaging II (Springer, 2017).

[3] R. Sturdivant, “Packaging of Transmit/Receive Modules,” Chapter 2 in RF and Microwave Microelectronics Packaging II (Springer, 2017).

[4] R. Sturdivant, “3D Transitions and Connections,” Chapter 3 in RF and Microwave Microelectronics Packaging II (Springer, 2017).

[5] Alex Zahnd, Mark Stambaugh, Derek Jackson, Thomas Gross,
Christoph Hugi, Rick Sturdivant, James Yeh, and Subodh Sharma, “Modular Pico-hydropower System for Remote Himalayan Villages,” In Sayigh, A. (eds) Transition Towards 100% Renewable Energy (Springer. 2018).

Journal Articles, Conference Papers, and Workshops

I have published over 50 peer reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and workshops. Although I’ve published on a wide range of topics, most have focused on microwave and millimeter-wave packaging, antennas, modules, and systems.