Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.24

                           SOMERA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                       DAN FIRESTONE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                This Agreement is made by and between Somera Communications,
        Inc. (the "Company"), and Dan Firestone ("Executive") as of September
        17, 2001.

1)   Duties and Scope of Employment.
     ------------------------------

         a) Positions; Duties. Commencing upon the date of this Agreement, the
            -----------------
            Company shall employ the Executive as the Executive Chairman of the
            Board of the Company reporting to the Board of Directors of the
            Company (the "Board"). The period of Executive's employment
            hereunder is referred to herein as the "Employment Term." During the
            Employment Term, Executive shall render such business and
            professional services in the performance of his duties, consistent
            with Executive's position within the Company, as shall reasonably be
            assigned to him by the Board.

         b) Board Position and Duties.  Executive shall continue to serve as
            -------------------------
            Chairman of the Board of the Company.

2)   Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible
     -----------------
     to participate in the employee and fringe benefit plans maintained by the
     Company that are applicable to other senior management to the full extent
     provided for under those plans.

3)   At-Will Employment. Executive and the Company understand and acknowledge
     ------------------
     that Executive's employment with the Company constitutes "at-will"
     employment. Subject to the Company's obligation to provide severance
     benefits as specified herein, Executive and the Company acknowledge that
     this employment relationship may be terminated at any time, upon written
     notice to the other party, with or without good cause or for any or no
     cause, at the option either of the Company or Executive.

4)   Compensation.
     ------------

         a) Base Salary.
            -----------

            i) 2001 Base Salary. During 2001, the Company shall pay the
               ----------------
               Executive as compensation for his services a base salary at the
               annualized rate of three hundred sixty thousand dollars
               ($360,000).

           ii) 2002 Base Salary. Commencing in 2002 and while Executive is
               ----------------
               employed by the Company, the Company shall pay the Executive as
               compensation for his services a base salary at the annualized
               rate of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) (together with
               the base salary for 2001, the "Base Salary").

          iii) Additional Provisions.  Executive's Base Salary shall be paid
               ---------------------
               periodically in accordance

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         with normal Company payroll practices and subject to the usual,
         required withholding.

     b)  Bonuses.  Executive shall be eligible to earn the following bonus:
         -------

         i) 2001 Bonus.  Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus for 2001,
            ----------
            paid annually based on the following amounts, if applicable:

            (1)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2001 operating
                  profit reaches 90% of the annual plan target levels currently
                  in place, then Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus of
                  one hundred eighty thousand dollars ($180,000); or

            (2)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2001 operating
                  profit reaches 100% of the annual plan target levels currently
                  in place, then Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus of
                  three hundred sixty thousand dollars ($360,000); or

            (3)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2001 operating
                  profit reaches 110% of the annual plan target levels currently
                  in place, then Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus of
                  five hundred forty thousand dollars ($540,000); or

            (4)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2001 operating
                  profit reaches 120% of the annual plan target levels currently
                  in place, then Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus of
                  seven hundred twenty thousand dollars ($720,000); or

            (5)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2001 operating
                  profit reaches 130% of the annual plan target levels currently
                  in place, then Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus of
                  nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000).

         ii) 2002 Bonus.  Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus for 2002,
             ----------
             paid annually based on the following amounts, if applicable:

            (1)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2002 revenue,
                  earnings per share and [insert balance sheet metric] reach 90%
                  of the annual plan target levels, as developed by the Board
                  working with the Executive, then Executive shall be eligible
                  to earn a bonus of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000);

            (2)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2002 revenue,
                  earnings per share and [insert balance sheet metric] reach
                  110% of the annual plan target levels, as developed by the
                  Board working with the Executive, then Executive shall be
                  eligible to earn a bonus of an additional two hundred thousand
                  dollars ($200,000);

            (3)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2002 revenue,
                  earnings per share and [insert balance sheet metric] reach
                  125% of the annual plan target levels, as developed by the
                  Board working with the Executive, then Executive shall be
                  eligible to earn a bonus of an additional two hundred thousand
                  dollars ($200,000); and

            (4)   in the event that the Company's fiscal year 2002 revenue,
                  earnings per share and [insert balance sheet metric] reach
                  130% of the annual plan target levels, as developed

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                  by the Board working with the Executive, then Executive shall
                  be eligible to earn a bonus of an additional two hundred
                  thousand dollars ($200,000).

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company's obligation to
                  make any bonus payment, whether during the first or any
                  subsequent annual period, shall be dependent upon Executive's
                  employment with the Company through the end of such year.

         c) Equity Compensation. After the date of this Agreement, Executive
            -------------------
            shall be granted a stock option (the "Stock Option") to purchase a
            total of five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of Company common
            stock with a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value
            of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Stock Option
            shall be for a term of ten (10) years (or shorter upon termination
            of employment relationship with the Company) and, subject to
            accelerated vesting as set forth elsewhere herein, shall vest as
            follows: twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares subject to the
            Stock Option shall vest twelve (12) months after the Employment
            Commencement Date and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the shares
            subject to the Option shall vest each month thereafter at the end of
            the month, so as to be one hundred percent (100%) vested on the four
            (4) year anniversary of the Employment Commencement Date,
            conditioned upon Executive's continued employment with the Company
            as of each vesting date. Except as specified otherwise herein, the
            option grant shall be pursuant to the terms, definitions and
            provisions of the Company's standard form of stock option agreement
            (the "Option Agreement"), which agreement is incorporated herein by
            reference.

         d) Severance.
            ---------

            i) Involuntary Termination Other Than for Cause; Constructive
               ----------------------------------------------------------
               Termination Prior to Change of Control. If, prior to a Change of
               ---------------------------------------
               Control, Executive's employment with the Company is
               Constructively Terminated or involuntarily terminated by the
               Company other than for (x) Cause, (y) Executive's death, or (z)
               Executive's Disability, then, subject to Executive executing and
               not revoking a standard form of mutual release of claims with the
               Company, (A) Executive's Stock Option shall have its vesting
               accelerated to receive an additional twelve (12) months of
               vesting; (B) Executive shall receive continued payments of one
               year's Base Salary plus the pro rata portion of the bonus earned
               by Executive in the time employed during such year, less
               applicable withholding, in accordance with the Company's standard
               payroll practices; (C) the Company shall pay the group health,
               dental and vision plan continuation coverage premiums for
               Executive and his covered dependents under Title X of the
               Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended
               ("COBRA"), through the lesser of (x) twelve (12) months from the
               date of Executive's termination of employment, or (y) the date
               upon which Executive and his covered dependents are covered by
               similar plans of Executive's new employer; and (D) the Company
               shall provide Executive with all other Company welfare plan and
               fringe benefits in which Executive participated prior to his
               termination through the lesser of (x) twelve (12) months from the
               date of Executive's termination of employment, or (y) the date
               upon which Executive and his covered dependents are covered by
               similar plans of Executive's new employer, and if Executive is
               ineligible to participate in one or more of such benefit plans or
               programs of the Company, the Company shall provide Executive with
               such benefits on an equivalent basis, including a Tax Gross-Up to
               the

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             extent such benefits constitute taxable income to the Executive but
             were provided to Executive on a non-taxable basis while Executive
             was employed by the Company.

         ii) Involuntary Termination Other Than for Cause; Constructive
             ----------------------------------------------------------
             Termination On or Following Change of Control. If, on or within the
             ---------------------------------------------
             six (6) month period immediately following a Change of Control,
             Executive's employment with the Company is Constructively
             Terminated or involuntarily terminated by the Company other than
             for (x) Cause, (y) Executive's death, or (z) Executive's
             Disability, then, subject to Executive executing and not revoking a
             standard form of mutual release of claims with the Company, (A)
             Executive's Stock Option shall have its vesting accelerated such
             that 100% of the shares underlying such Stock Option shall vest;
             (B) Executive shall receive continued payments of one year's Base
             Salary plus the pro rata portion of the bonus earned by Executive
             in the time employed during such year, less applicable withholding,
             in accordance with the Company's standard payroll practices; (C)
             the Company shall pay the group health, dental and vision plan
             continuation coverage premiums for Executive and his covered
             dependents under COBRA through the lesser of (x) twelve (12) months
             from the date of Executive's termination of employment, or (y) the
             date upon which Executive and his covered dependents are covered by
             similar plans of Executive's new employer; and (D) the Company
             shall provide Executive with all other Company welfare plan and
             fringe benefits in which Executive participated prior to his
             termination through the lesser of (x) twelve (12) months from the
             date of Executive's termination of employment, or (y) the date upon
             which Executive and his covered dependents are covered by similar
             plans of Executive's new employer, and if Executive is ineligible
             to participate in one or more of such benefit plans or programs of
             the Company, the Company shall provide Executive with such benefits
             on an equivalent basis, including a Tax Gross-Up to the extent such
             benefits constitute taxable income to the Executive but were
             provided to Executive on a non-taxable basis while Executive was
             employed by the Company.

              For the purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" means (1) material act
              of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive's
              responsibilities as an employee, (2) Executive's conviction of, or
              plea of nolo contendere to, a felony, (3) Executive's gross
              misconduct in connection with the performance of his duties
              hereunder, or (4) Executive's material breach of his obligations
              under this Agreement; provided, however, that with respect to
              clauses (3) and (4), such actions shall not constitute Cause if
              they are cured by Executive within thirty (30) days following
              delivery to Executive of a written explanation specifying the
              basis for the Board's beliefs with respect to such clauses.

              For the purposes of this Agreement, "Change of Control" is defined
              as:

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            (1)   Any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
                  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes
                  the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said
                  Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company
                  representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting
                  power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting
                  securities; or

            (2)   The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company
                  with any other corporation, other than a merger or
                  consolidation which would result in the voting securities of
                  the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing
                  to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being
                  converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at
                  least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power
                  represented by the voting securities of the Company or such
                  surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or
                  consolidation; or

            (3)   The consummation of the sale by the Company of all or
                  substantially all of the Company's assets.

                  For the purposes of this Agreement, "Constructive Termination"
                  means (1) a material reduction in Executive's Base Salary or
                  bonus level, (2) a reduction in Executive's title or a
                  material reduction in Executive's authority or duties, or (3)
                  the requirement that Executive relocate more than fifty (50)
                  miles from the current Company headquarters.

                  For the purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean
                  Executive's mental or physical impairment which has or is
                  likely to prevent Executive from performing the
                  responsibilities and duties of his position for three (3)
                  months or more in the aggregate during any six (6) month
                  period. Any question as to the existence or extent of
                  Executive's disability upon which the Executive and the
                  Company cannot agree shall be resolved by a qualified
                  independent physician who is an acknowledged expert in the
                  area of the mental or physical impairment, selected in good
                  faith by the Board and approved by the Executive, which
                  approval shall not unreasonably be withheld.

                  The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the value of
                  any severance benefits contemplated by this Agreement, nor
                  shall any such benefits be reduced by any earnings or benefits
                  that the Executive may receive from any other source.

      iii)    Voluntary Termination; Involuntary Termination for Cause. Except
              --------------------------------------------------------
              as otherwise specified herein, in the event Executive terminates
              his employment voluntarily or is involuntarily terminated by the
              Company for Cause, then all vesting of the Stock Option, and any
              other equity compensation shall terminate immediately and all
              payments of compensation by the Company to Executive hereunder
              shall immediately terminate (except as to amounts already earned).

5)   Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
     ----------
     of (a) the heirs, beneficiaries, executors and legal representatives of
     Executive upon Executive's death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any
     such successor of the Company shall be deemed

<PAGE>

     substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all
     purposes. As used herein, "successor" shall include any person, firm,
     corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by
     purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or
     substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the
     rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to
     this Agreement shall be assignable or transferable except through a
     testamentary disposition or by the laws of descent and distribution upon
     the death of Executive. Any attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or
     other disposition (other than as aforesaid) of any interest in the rights
     of Executive to receive any form of compensation hereunder shall be null
     and void.

6)   Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for
     -------
     hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if (i) delivered
     personally or by facsimile, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by Federal
     Express or a similar commercial overnight service, or (iii) three (3) days
     after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt
     requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors in
     interest at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the
     parties may designate by written notice in the manner aforesaid:

                      If to the Company:    Somera Communications, Inc.
                                            5383 Hollister Avenue
                                            Santa Barbara, CA 93111
                                            Attn:  Chief Financial Officer
                                            ----

                      If to Executive:      Dan Firestone
                                            at the last residential address
                                             known by the Company.

7)   Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared
     ------------
     by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void,
     this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said
     provision.

8)   Proprietary Information Agreement. Executive agrees to enter into the
     ---------------------------------
     Company's standard Employment, Confidential Information and Invention
     Assignment Agreement (the "Proprietary Information Agreement") upon
     commencing employment hereunder, as modified so as not to conflict with the
     provisions of this Agreement.

9)   Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, the Stock Plan, the Option Agreement,
     ----------------
     the employee benefit plans referred to in Section 2 and the Proprietary
     Information Agreement represent the entire agreement and understanding
     between the Company and Executive concerning Executive's employment
     relationship with the Company, and supersede and replace any and all prior
     agreements and understandings concerning Executive's employment
     relationship with the Company.

10)  Non-Binding Mediation, Arbitration and Equitable Relief.
     -------------------------------------------------------

     a)  The parties agree to make a good faith attempt to resolve any dispute
         or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement through
         negotiation. In the event that any dispute or claim arising out of or
         related to this Agreement is not settled by the parties hereto, the
         parties will attempt in good faith to resolve such dispute or claim by
         non-binding mediation in Santa

<PAGE>

         Clara County, California to be conducted by one mediator belonging to
         the American Arbitration Association. The mediation shall be held
         within thirty (30) days of the request therefor. The costs of the
         mediation shall be borne equally by the parties to the mediation.

b)       Executive and the Company agree that, to the extent permitted by law,
         any dispute or controversy arising out of, relating to, or in
         connection with this Agreement, or the interpretation, validity,
         construction, performance, breach, or termination thereof which has not
         been resolved by negotiation or mediation as set forth in Section 10(a)
         shall be finally settled by binding arbitration to be conducted by one
         arbitrator in Santa Barbara, California in accordance with the National
         Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes then in effect of the
         American Arbitration Association (the "Rules"). The arbitrator may
         grant injunctions or other relief in such dispute or controversy. The
         decision of the arbitrator shall be confidential, final, conclusive and
         binding on the parties to the arbitration. Judgment may be entered
         under a protective order on the arbitrator's decision in any court
         having jurisdiction.

c)       The arbitrator shall apply California law to the merits of any dispute
         or claim, without reference to rules of conflict of law. The
         arbitration proceedings shall be governed by federal arbitration law
         and by the Rules, without reference to state arbitration law. Executive
         hereby expressly consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and
         federal courts located in California for any action or proceeding
         arising from or relating to this Agreement and/or relating to any
         arbitration in which the parties are participants.

d)       Executive understands that nothing in Section 10 modifies Executive's
         at-will status. Either the Company or Executive can terminate the
         employment relationship at any time, with or without cause.

e)       EXECUTIVE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS SECTION 10, WHICH DISCUSSES
         ARBITRATION. EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT,
         EXECUTIVE AGREES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TO SUBMIT ANY FUTURE
         CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
         AGREEMENT, OR THE INTERPRETATION, VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, PERFORMANCE,
         BREACH, OR TERMINATION THEREOF TO BINDING ARBITRATION, AND THAT THIS
         ARBITRATION CLAUSE CONSTITUTES A WAIVER OF EXECUTIVE'S RIGHT TO A JURY
         TRIAL AND RELATES TO THE RESOLUTION OF ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO ALL
         ASPECTS OF THE EMPLOYER/EXECUTIVE RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING BUT NOT
         LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS:

         i)  ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL DISCHARGE OF EMPLOYMENT; BREACH OF
             CONTRACT, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED; BREACH OF THE COVENANT OF GOOD
             FAITH AND FAIR DEALING, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED; NEGLIGENT OR
             INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS; NEGLIGENT OR
             INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL
             INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACT OR PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE; AND
             DEFAMATION.

<PAGE>

        ii)   ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR VIOLATION OF ANY FEDERAL STATE OR MUNICIPAL
              STATUTE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL
              RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1991, THE AGE
              DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, THE AMERICANS WITH
              DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT, THE
              CALIFORNIA FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING ACT, AND LABOR CODE SECTION
              201, et seq;

       iii)   ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF ANY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS
              RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OR EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION.

11)  No Oral Modification, Cancellation or Discharge.
     -----------------------------------------------
     This Agreement may only be amended, canceled or discharged in writing
     signed by Executive and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

12)  Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold, or cause to be
     -----------
     withheld, from payment any amount of withholding taxes required by law with
     respect to payments made to Executive in connection with his employment
     hereunder.

13)  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
     -------------
     of California without reference to rules relating to conflict of law.

14)  Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to
     --------------
     discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has
     had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all
     the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering
     into this Agreement.

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement:

        SOMERA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

        /s/ Rick Darnaby
        --------------------------------
        Rick Darnaby
        President and Chief Executive Officer

        EXECUTIVE

        /s/ Dan Firestone
        --------------------------------
        Dan Firestone<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.25

                           SOMERA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                        RICK DARNABY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      This Agreement is made by and between Somera Communications, Inc. (the
      "Company"), and Rick Darnaby ("Executive") as of September 17, 2001.

1)       Duties and Scope of Employment.
         ------------------------------

         a)       Positions; Employment Commencement Date; Duties. Executive's
                  -----------------------------------------------
                  employment with the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall
                  commence immediately (the "Employment Commencement Date"). As
                  of the Employment Commencement Date, the Company shall employ
                  the Executive as the President and Chief Executive Officer of
                  the Company reporting to the Board of Directors of the Company
                  (the "Board"). The period of Executive's employment hereunder
                  is referred to herein as the "Employment Term." During the
                  Employment Term, Executive shall render such business and
                  professional services in the performance of his duties,
                  consistent with Executive's position within the Company, as
                  shall reasonably be assigned to him by the Board.

         b)       Board Position and Duties. Upon the Employment Commencement
                  -------------------------
                  Date, Executive shall be appointed to the Board.

         c)       Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive shall
                  -----------
                  devote his full business efforts and time to the Company.
                  Executive agrees, during the Employment Term, not to actively
                  engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting
                  activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the
                  prior approval of the Board; provided, however, that Executive
                  may serve in any capacity with any civic, educational or
                  charitable organization, or as a member of corporate Boards of
                  Directors or committees thereof upon which Executive currently
                  serves (a list of which is attached hereto as Appendix A) or
                  which are approved by the Board in the future.

2)       Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be
         -----------------
         eligible to participate in the employee and fringe benefit plans
         maintained by the Company that are applicable to other senior
         management to the full extent provided for under those plans.

3)       Relocation Expense Reimbursements. In connection with Executive's
         ---------------------------------
         relocation, the Company will reimburse Executive for the following
         reasonable costs:

         a)       Transaction costs associated with buying Executive's new
                  residence (closing costs, inspections, title insurance,
                  brokerage commissions and related fees, etc.).

         b)       Transaction costs associated with selling Executive's old
                  residence (closing costs, inspections, title insurance,
                  brokerage commissions and related fees, etc.).

         c)       Costs associated with moving household furnishings and
                  personal effects (including

<PAGE>

                  packing and unpacking of household goods).

         d)       Costs associated with three house-hunting trips to the Santa
                  Barbara, California area, including airfare, hotel
                  accommodation and related costs for the family.

         e)       Temporary living expenses and an automobile lease for up to
                  nine months after the Employment Commencement Date.

         f)       Other miscellaneous costs associated with Executive's move to
                  the Santa Barbara, California area, in an aggregate amount not
                  exceeding $25,000.

                  Executive will be fully grossed-up by the Company for any
                  imputed income required to be recognized with respect to these
                  reimbursements so that the economic effect to Executive, after
                  taking into account any tax deductions available to Executive,
                  is the same as if these reimbursements were provided to
                  Executive on a non-taxable basis.

4)       At-Will Employment. Executive and the Company understand and
         ------------------
         acknowledge that Executive's employment with the Company constitutes
         "at-will" employment. Subject to the Company's obligation to provide
         severance benefits as specified herein, Executive and the Company
         acknowledge that this employment relationship may be terminated at any
         time, upon written notice to the other party, with or without good
         cause or for any or no cause, at the option either of the Company or
         Executive.

5)       Compensation.
         ------------

         a)       Base Salary. While employed by the Company, the Company shall
                  -----------
                  pay the Executive as compensation for his services a base
                  salary at the annualized rate of four hundred and seventy-five
                  thousand dollars ($475,000) (the "Base Salary"). Such Base
                  Salary shall be paid periodically in accordance with normal
                  Company payroll practices and subject to the usual, required
                  withholding. Executive's Base Salary shall be reviewed
                  annually, beginning at the end of 2002, by the Compensation
                  Committee of the Board for possible adjustment in light of
                  Executive's performance and competitive data.

         b)       Bonuses. Executive shall be eligible to earn the following
                  -------
                  bonus:

                  i)       2001 Bonus. Executive shall be eligible to receive a
                           ----------
                           bonus for 2001 equal to four hundred thousand dollars
                           ($400,000) multiplied by the pro-rata percentage of
                           calendar year 2001 that Executive's employment with
                           the Company represents (the "2001 Bonus"). The
                           Executive shall be guaranteed the payment of the 2001
                           Bonus.

                  ii)      2002 Bonus. Executive shall be eligible to earn a
                           ----------
                           bonus for 2002, paid annually based on the following
                           amounts, if applicable:

                           (1)      in the event that the Company's fiscal year
                                    2002 revenue, earnings per share and balance
                                    sheet metric reach 90% of the annual plan
                                    target levels, as developed by the

<PAGE>

                                    Board working with the Executive, then
                                    Executive shall be eligible to earn a bonus
                                    of not less than two hundred thousand
                                    dollars ($200,000);

                           (2)      in the event that the Company's fiscal year
                                    2002 revenue, earnings per share and balance
                                    sheet metric reach 110% of the annual plan
                                    target levels, as developed by the Board
                                    working with the Executive, then Executive
                                    shall be eligible to earn a bonus of not
                                    less than an additional three hundred
                                    thousand dollars ($300,000); and

                           (3)      in the event that the Company's fiscal year
                                    2002 revenue, earnings per share and balance
                                    sheet metric reach 125% of the annual plan
                                    target levels, as developed by the Board
                                    working with the Executive, then Executive
                                    shall be eligible to earn a bonus of not
                                    less than an additional four hundred
                                    thousand dollars ($400,000).

                                    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company's
                                    obligation to make any bonus payment,
                                    whether during the first or any subsequent
                                    annual period, shall be dependent upon
                                    Executive's employment with the Company
                                    through the end of such year. Executive will
                                    be eligible to receive annual bonuses based
                                    upon a similar structure in future years
                                    under arrangements to be approved by the
                                    Compensation Committee of the Board.

         c)       Loan. The Company shall grant to Executive an interest-free
                  ----
                  loan for a reasonable amount of money, with such amount to be
                  established upon mutual determination between Executive and
                  the Board at a time after the Employment Commencement Date,
                  for Executive's purchase of a primary residence in the Santa
                  Barbara, California area. The loan shall be fully-recourse and
                  additionally secured by the primary residence. The loan will
                  be forgiven over a period of eight (8) years, and shall be
                  governed by a Promissory Note given at a later date by
                  Executive to the Company.

         d)       Equity Compensation.
                  -------------------

                  i)       Initial Stock Option. As of the Employment
                           --------------------
                           Commencement Date, Executive shall be granted a stock
                           option (the "Stock Option") to purchase a total of
                           one million nine hundred twenty-three thousand
                           (1,923,000) shares of Company common stock with a per
                           share exercise price equal to the fair market value
                           of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.
                           The Stock Option shall be for a term of ten (10)
                           years (or shorter upon termination of employment
                           relationship with the Company) and, subject to
                           accelerated vesting as set forth elsewhere herein,
                           shall vest as follows: twenty-five percent (25%) of
                           the shares subject to the Stock Option shall vest
                           twelve (12) months after the Employment Commencement
                           Date and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the shares
                           subject to the Option shall vest each month
                           thereafter at the end of the month, so as to be one
                           hundred percent (100%) vested on the four (4) year
                           anniversary of the Employment Commencement Date,
                           conditioned upon Executive's continued employment
                           with the Company as of each vesting date. Except as
                           specified otherwise herein, the Stock Option is in
                           all respects subject to the terms, definitions and
                           provisions of the Company's standard form of stock
                           option agreement (the "Option Agreement"), which
                           document is incorporated herein by reference and
                           attached as

<PAGE>

                           Exhibit A. Executive's equity compensation level
                           shall be reviewed annually, beginning at the end of
                           2002, by the Compensation Committee of the Board for
                           possible adjustment in light of Executive's
                           performance and competitive data.

                  ii)      Performance Based Stock Option. As of the Employment
                           ------------------------------
                           Commencement Date, Executive shall be granted an
                           additional stock option (the "Performance-Based Stock
                           Option") to purchase a total of eight hundred
                           twenty-four thousand (824,000) shares of Company
                           common stock with a per share exercise price equal to
                           the fair market value of the Company's common stock
                           on the date of grant. The Performance-Based Stock
                           Option shall be for a term of six (6) years (or
                           shorter upon termination of employment relationship
                           with the Company) and, subject to accelerated vesting
                           provisions based on strategic, business and financial
                           objectives as set forth in the Option Agreement
                           governing the Performance-Based Stock Option, shall
                           vest 100% on the date that is seven (7) days
                           immediately prior to the six (6) year anniversary of
                           the Employment Commencement Date, conditioned upon
                           Executive's continued employment with the Company as
                           of each vesting date. Except as specified otherwise
                           herein, the Performance-Based Stock Option is in all
                           respects subject to the terms, definitions and
                           provisions of the Company's Option Agreement, which
                           document is incorporated herein by reference and
                           attached as Exhibit B.

         e)       Severance.
                  ---------

                  (i)      Involuntary Termination Other Than for Cause;
                           ---------------------------------------------
                           Constructive Termination Prior to Change of Control.
                           ----------------------------------------------------
                           If, prior to a Change of Control, Executive's
                           employment with the Company is Constructively
                           Terminated or involuntarily terminated by the Company
                           other than for (x) Cause, (y) Executive's death, or
                           (z) Executive's Disability, then, subject to
                           Executive executing and not revoking a standard form
                           of mutual release of claims with the Company, (A)
                           Executive's Stock Option (and any other stock option,
                           not to include the Performance-Based Stock Option,
                           granted to Executive following the Employment
                           Commencement Date) shall have its vesting accelerated
                           to receive an additional twelve (12) months of
                           vesting, provided, that, if such employment
                           termination takes place within twelve (12) months
                           from the Employment Commencement Date, then
                           Executive's Stock Option shall have its vesting
                           accelerated such that 50% of the shares underlying
                           such Stock Option shall vest; (B) Executive shall
                           receive continued payments of one year's Base Salary
                           plus the pro rata portion of the bonus earned by
                           Executive in the time employed during such year, less
                           applicable withholding, in accordance with the
                           Company's standard payroll practices; (C) the Company
                           shall pay the group health, dental and vision plan
                           continuation coverage premiums for Executive and his
                           covered dependents under Title X of the Consolidated
                           Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended
                           ("COBRA"), through the lesser of (x) twelve (12)
                           months from the date of Executive's termination of
                           employment, or (y) the date upon which Executive and
                           his covered dependents are covered by similar plans
                           of Executive's new employer; and (D) the Company
                           shall provide Executive with all other Company
                           welfare plan and fringe benefits in which Executive
                           participated prior to his termination through the
                           lesser of (x) twelve (12) months from the date of
                           Executive's termination of employment, or (y) the
                           date upon which Executive and his covered

<PAGE>
                           dependents are covered by similar plans of
                           Executive's new employer, and if Executive is
                           ineligible to participate in one or more of such
                           benefit plans or programs of the Company, the Company
                           shall provide Executive with such benefits on an
                           equivalent basis, including a Tax Gross-Up to the
                           extent such benefits constitute taxable income to the
                           Executive but were provided to Executive on a
                           non-taxable basis while Executive was employed by the
                           Company.

                  (ii)     Involuntary Termination Other Than for Cause;
                           ---------------------------------------------
                           Constructive Termination On or Following Change of
                           --------------------------------------------------
                           Control. If, on or within the twelve (12) month
                          --------
                           period immediately following a Change of Control,
                           Executive's employment with the Company is
                           Constructively Terminated or involuntarily terminated
                           by the Company other than for (x) Cause, (y)
                           Executive's death, or (z) Executive's Disability,
                           then, subject to Executive executing and not revoking
                           a standard form of mutual release of claims with the
                           Company, (A) Executive's Stock Option shall have its
                           vesting accelerated such that 100% of the shares
                           underlying such Stock Option shall vest; (B)
                           Executive shall receive continued payments of one
                           year's Base Salary plus the pro rata portion of the
                           bonus earned by Executive in the time employed during
                           such year, less applicable withholding, in accordance
                           with the Company's standard payroll practices; (C)
                           the Company shall pay the group health, dental and
                           vision plan continuation coverage premiums for
                           Executive and his covered dependents under COBRA
                           through the lesser of (x) twelve (12) months from the
                           date of Executive's termination of employment, or (y)
                           the date upon which Executive and his covered
                           dependents are covered by similar plans of
                           Executive's new employer; and (D) the Company shall
                           provide Executive with all other Company welfare plan
                           and fringe benefits in which Executive participated
                           prior to his termination through the lesser of (x)
                           twelve (12) months from the date of Executive's
                           termination of employment, or (y) the date upon which
                           Executive and his covered dependents are covered by
                           similar plans of Executive's new employer, and if
                           Executive is ineligible to participate in one or more
                           of such benefit plans or programs of the Company, the
                           Company shall provide Executive with such benefits on
                           an equivalent basis, including a Tax Gross-Up to the
                           extent such benefits constitute taxable income to the
                           Executive but were provided to Executive on a
                           non-taxable basis while Executive was employed by the
                           Company.

                           For the purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" means (1)
                           material act of dishonesty made by Executive in
                           connection with Executive's responsibilities as an
                           employee, (2) Executive's conviction of, or plea of
                           nolo contendere to, a felony, (3) Executive's gross
                           misconduct in connection with the performance of his
                           duties hereunder, or (4) Executive's material breach
                           of his obligations under this Agreement; provided,
                           however, that with respect to clauses (3) and (4),
                           such actions shall not constitute Cause if they are
                           cured by Executive within thirty (30) days following
                           delivery to Executive of a written explanation
                           specifying the basis for the Board's beliefs with
                           respect to such clauses.

                           For the purposes of this Agreement, "Change of
                           Control" is defined as:

                           (1)       Any "person" (as such term is used in
                                     Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities

<PAGE>

                                    Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes
                                    the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule
                                    13d-3 under said Act), directly or
                                    indirectly, of securities of the Company
                                    representing fifty percent (50%) or more of
                                    the total voting power represented by the
                                    Company's then outstanding voting
                                    securities; or

                           (2)      The consummation of a merger or
                                    consolidation of the Company with any other
                                    corporation, other than a merger or
                                    consolidation which would result in the
                                    voting securities of the Company outstanding
                                    immediately prior thereto continuing to
                                    represent (either by remaining outstanding
                                    or by being converted into voting securities
                                    of the surviving entity) at least fifty
                                    percent (50%) of the total voting power
                                    represented by the voting securities of the
                                    Company or such surviving entity outstanding
                                    immediately after such merger or
                                    consolidation; or

                           (3)      The consummation of the sale by the Company
                                    of all or substantially all of the Company's
                                    assets.

                                    For the purposes of this Agreement,
                                    "Constructive Termination" means (1) a
                                    material reduction in Executive's Base
                                    Salary or bonus level, (2) a reduction in
                                    Executive's title or a material reduction in
                                    Executive's authority or duties, or (3) the
                                    requirement that Executive relocate more
                                    than fifty (50) miles from the current
                                    Company headquarters.

                                    For the purposes of this Agreement,
                                    "Disability" shall mean Executive's mental
                                    or physical impairment which has or is
                                    likely to prevent Executive from performing
                                    the responsibilities and duties of his
                                    position for three (3) months or more in the
                                    aggregate during any six (6) month period.
                                    Any question as to the existence or extent
                                    of Executive's disability upon which the
                                    Executive and the Company cannot agree shall
                                    be resolved by a qualified independent
                                    physician who is an acknowledged expert in
                                    the area of the mental or physical
                                    impairment, selected in good faith by the
                                    Board and approved by the Executive, which
                                    approval shall not unreasonably be withheld.

                                    The Executive shall not be required to
                                    mitigate the value of any severance benefits
                                    contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall
                                    any such benefits be reduced by any earnings
                                    or benefits that the Executive may receive
                                    from any other source.

                  iii)     Voluntary Termination; Involuntary Termination for
                           --------------------------------------------------
                           Cause. Except as otherwise specified herein, in the
                           -----
                           event Executive terminates his employment voluntarily
                           or is involuntarily terminated by the Company for
                           Cause, then all further vesting of the Stock Option,
                           Performance-Based Stock Option and any other equity
                           compensation shall terminate immediately and all
                           payments of compensation by the Company to Executive
                           hereunder shall immediately terminate (except as to
                           amounts already earned).

                  iv)      Termination Due to Death or Disability. Except as
                           --------------------------------------
                           otherwise specified herein, in the event Executive's
                           employment is terminated due to Executive's death or
                           Disability,

<PAGE>

                            then all further vesting of the Stock Option,
                            Performance-Based Stock Option and any other equity
                            compensation shall terminate immediately and all
                            payments of compensation by the Company to Executive
                            hereunder shall immediately terminate (except as to
                            amounts already earned and all death benefits and/or
                            disability benefits payable under plans of the
                            Company).

 6)       Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
          ----------
          inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, beneficiaries,
          executors and legal representatives of Executive upon
          Executive's death and (b) any successor of the
          Company. Any such successor of the Company shall be
          deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of
          this Agreement for all purposes. As used herein,
          "successor" shall include any person, firm,
          corporation or other business entity which at any
          time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise,
          directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially
          all of the assets or business of the Company. None of
          the rights of Executive to receive any form of
          compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement shall
          be assignable or transferable except through a
          testamentary disposition or by the laws of descent
          and distribution upon the death of Executive. Any
          attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other
          disposition (other than as aforesaid) of any interest
          in the rights of Executive to receive any form of
          compensation hereunder shall be null and void.

 7)       Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other
          -------
          communications called for hereunder shall be in
          writing and shall be deemed given if (i) delivered
          personally or by facsimile, (ii) one (1) day after
          being sent by Federal Express or a similar commercial
          overnight service, or (iii) three (3) days after
          being mailed by registered or certified mail, return
          receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the
          parties or their successors in interest at the
          following addresses, or at such other addresses as
          the parties may designate by written notice in the
          manner aforesaid:

         If to the Company:    Somera Communications, Inc.
                               5383 Hollister Avenue
                               Santa Barbara, CA 93111
                               Attn:  Chief Financial Officer
                               ----

          If to Executive:     Rick Darnaby
                               at the last residential address
                                   known by the Company.

 8)       Severability. In the event that any provision hereof
          ------------
          becomes or is declared by a court of competent
          jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void,
          this Agreement shall continue in full force and
          effect without said provision.

 9)       Proprietary Information Agreement. Executive agrees
          ---------------------------------
          to enter into the Company's standard Employment,
          Confidential Information and Invention Assignment
          Agreement (the "Proprietary Information Agreement")
          upon commencing employment hereunder, as modified so
          as not to conflict with the provisions of this
          Agreement and attached as Exhibit C.

 10)      Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Option
          ----------------
          Agreements, the employee benefit plans referred to in
          Section 2 and the Proprietary Information Agreement
          represent the entire agreement and understanding
          between the Company and Executive concerning
          Executive's

<PAGE>

          employment relationship with the Company, and
          supersede and replace any and all prior agreements
          and understandings concerning Executive's employment
          relationship with the Company.

11)       Non-Binding Mediation, Arbitration and Equitable
          ------------------------------------------------
          Relief.
          ------

          a)       The parties agree to make a good faith
                   attempt to resolve any dispute or claim
                   arising out of or related to this Agreement
                   through negotiation. In the event that any
                   dispute or claim arising out of or related
                   to this Agreement is not settled by the
                   parties hereto, the parties will attempt in
                   good faith to resolve such dispute or claim
                   by non-binding mediation in Santa Barbara
                   County, California to be conducted by one
                   mediator belonging to the American
                   Arbitration Association. The mediation shall
                   be held within thirty (30) days of the
                   request therefor. The costs of the mediation
                   shall be borne equally by the parties to the
                   mediation.

          b)       Executive and the Company agree that, to the
                   extent permitted by law, any dispute or
                   controversy arising out of, relating to, or
                   in connection with this Agreement, or the
                   interpretation, validity, construction,
                   performance, breach, or termination thereof
                   which has not been resolved by negotiation
                   or mediation as set forth in Section 11(a)
                   shall be finally settled by binding
                   arbitration to be conducted by one
                   arbitrator in Santa Barbara, California in
                   accordance with the National Rules for the
                   Resolution of Employment Disputes then in
                   effect of the American Arbitration
                   Association (the "Rules"). The arbitrator
                   may grant injunctions or other relief in
                   such dispute or controversy. The decision of
                   the arbitrator shall be confidential, final,
                   conclusive and binding on the parties to the
                   arbitration. Judgment may be entered under a
                   protective order on the arbitrator's
                   decision in any court having jurisdiction.

          c)       The arbitrator shall apply California law to
                   the merits of any dispute or claim, without
                   reference to rules of conflict of law. The
                   arbitration proceedings shall be governed by
                   federal arbitration law and by the Rules,
                   without reference to state arbitration law.
                   Executive hereby expressly consents to the
                   personal jurisdiction of the state and
                   federal courts located in California for any
                   action or proceeding arising from or
                   relating to this Agreement and/or relating
                   to any arbitration in which the parties are
                   participants.

          d)       Executive understands that nothing in
                   Section 11 modifies Executive's at-will
                   status. Either the Company or Executive can
                   terminate the employment relationship at any
                   time, with or without cause.

          e)       EXECUTIVE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS SECTION
                   11, WHICH DISCUSSES ARBITRATION. EXECUTIVE
                   UNDERSTANDS THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT,
                   EXECUTIVE AGREES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY
                   LAW, TO SUBMIT ANY FUTURE CLAIMS ARISING OUT
                   OF, RELATING TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
                   AGREEMENT, OR THE INTERPRETATION, VALIDITY,
                   CONSTRUCTION, PERFORMANCE, BREACH, OR
                   TERMINATION THEREOF TO BINDING ARBITRATION,
                   AND THAT THIS ARBITRATION CLAUSE CONSTITUTES
                   A WAIVER OF EXECUTIVE'S RIGHT TO A JURY
                   TRIAL AND

<PAGE>

               RELATES TO THE RESOLUTION OF ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO ALL ASPECTS
               OF THE EMPLOYER/EXECUTIVE RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
               TO, THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS:

               i)     ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL DISCHARGE OF EMPLOYMENT;
                      BREACH OF CONTRACT, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED; BREACH OF
                      THE COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING, BOTH EXPRESS
                      AND IMPLIED; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF
                      EMOTIONAL DISTRESS; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL
                      MISREPRESENTATION; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL INTERFERENCE
                      WITH CONTRACT OR PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE; AND
                      DEFAMATION.

               ii)    ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR VIOLATION OF ANY FEDERAL STATE OR
                      MUNICIPAL STATUTE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TITLE
                      VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
                      OF 1991, THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967,
                      THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, THE FAIR
                      LABOR STANDARDS ACT, THE CALIFORNIA FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND
                      HOUSING ACT, AND LABOR CODE SECTION 201, et seq;

               iii)   ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF ANY OTHER LAWS AND
                      REGULATIONS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OR EMPLOYMENT
                      DISCRIMINATION.

12)      Indemnification Agreement. Effective upon the Employment Commencement
         -------------------------
         Date, Executive and the Company shall enter into the standard form of
         indemnification agreement previously approved by the Board customarily
         entered into between the Company and its executive officers and
         directors and attached as Exhibit D.

13)      Advisor & Legal Fee Reimbursement. The Company agrees to directly pay
         ---------------------------------
         Executive's reasonable advisor and legal fees associated with entering
         into this Agreement up to $10,000 upon receiving invoices for such
         services.

14)      No Oral Modification, Cancellation or Discharge. This Agreement may
         -----------------------------------------------
         only be amended, canceled or discharged in writing signed by Executive
         and the Chairman of the Board.

15)      Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold, or cause to
         -----------
         be withheld, from payment any amount of withholding taxes required by
         law with respect to payments made to Executive in connection with his
         employment hereunder.

16)      Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
         -------------
         State of California without reference to rules relating to conflict of
         law.

17)      Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity
         --------------
         to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private
         attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully
         understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and
         voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement:

SOMERA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

/s/ Dan Firestone
-------------------------------
Dan Firestone
Chairman of the Board

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Rick Darnaby
-------------------------------
Rick Darnaby

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