Hardware Engineer
About The Role
The RF Hardware Engineer at Lockheed Martin is a vital role within the Rotary and Mission Systems division, responsible for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of RF and SATCOM hardware systems. This position involves working on complex RF systems that operate across multiple frequency bands such as C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band, supporting satellite communication and other critical defense applications. The successful candidate will participate in all phases of RF system development, from conceptual design to deployment, ensuring systems meet stringent performance and reliability standards. The role requires travel up to 15% worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance activities in diverse and often remote environments. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including system architects, project managers, and testing personnel, is essential to ensure seamless integration and operation of RF systems.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution, with a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in RF hardware design and testing.
- Candidates with an additional five (5) years of relevant experience may qualify in lieu of a degree.
- Proficiency with RF testing equipment such as Keysight PNA X, FieldFox, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Oscilloscopes, and BER testers is essential.
- Experience developing preventive maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and producing technical documentation is required.
- Strong communication skills are necessary for producing detailed reports, engineering plans, and technical briefings.
- Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record in troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data, and implementing corrective actions that enhance system performance and maintainability.
- Leadership and mentoring abilities are highly valued, including leading inspection teams and training personnel.
- The candidate must be physically capable of carrying equipment, climbing antennas, and working in challenging environments.
- Security clearance at the TS/SCI with Polygraph level is mandatory, along with the ability to travel internationally up to 15% of the time.
Responsibilities
- Design, install, and test RF and SATCOM hardware systems operating across various frequency bands.
- Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, align hardware, and operate earth terminal control consoles to establish and maintain satellite communication links.
- Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance, troubleshoot malfunctions, and apply anti-jamming techniques to ensure system security and reliability.
- Utilize advanced measurement tools such as Keysight PNA X, FieldFox, and spectrum analyzers to measure S parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase noise, and perform nonlinear analysis including IMD and spectral regrowth.
- Prepare technical drawings, schematics, and design documentation using AutoCAD and Visio.
- Prepare engineering plans, as-built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records, coordinating with various teams to ensure system integration and performance.
- Support installation, testing, and maintenance activities in diverse operational environments, ensuring systems meet operational requirements and security standards.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
- Flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, and educational assistance.
- Paid time off, parental leave, holiday benefits, and a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.
- Annual salary range of $104,500 to $184,115, depending on location and experience.
- Incentive plans recognizing outstanding performance and contributions.
Equal Opportunity
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.