Lead RF Systems Integration Engineer

About the Team

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security requirements. Focus areas include airborne/spaceborne/surface‑based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. The division’s efforts span RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal‑processing algorithms, machine‑learning algorithms, systems analysis, and real‑time embedded processor implementation. The Algorithms, Processing and Experimentation (APEX) Group specializes in development of RF/radar modes, skills and applications, emphasizing advanced signal‑processing chains and algorithm research, and tailors work for Defense (Air Force, Space Force, Navy, DARPA, etc.) and Intelligence Community needs.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced RF Systems Integration Engineer to lead RF test, measurement, and system integration activities for integrating a new operational mode onto an externally developed radar system. The engineer will serve as the technical authority for RF systems integration, owning end‑to‑end understanding of the radar, defining integration requirements, leading RF characterization and testing, and designing the technical approach to implement and validate the mode on the partner radar system.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF testing, measurement, and characterization efforts across lab, integration, and system‑level environments.
• Develop a deep technical understanding of a third‑party radar system, including RF architecture, signal chains, modes, interfaces, and operational constraints.
• Define and own the RF systems integration approach for implementing a new mode on an externally developed radar.
• Translate system‑level objectives into clear RF, interface, and integration requirements.
• Design and validate integration strategies, including RF interfaces, timing, control, and signal‑processing impacts.
• Collaborate closely with the external radar developer to resolve RF, system, and integration challenges.
• Lead integration test planning, execution, and analysis, including defining success criteria and validation methods.
• Identify risks and trade‑offs related to RF performance, integration complexity, and system compatibility.
• Serve as the technical lead and escalation point for RF systems integration issues.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to internal leadership and cross‑organizational stakeholders.

Requirements

• Active Security Clearance with eligibility to support special access programs; U.S. citizenship required.
• PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• BS with 8+ years, MS with 6+ years, or PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience designing, integrating, and testing RF sensor and/or communication systems.
• Familiarity with RF component technology and performance characteristics.
• Strong scientific programming skills (MATLAB, Python, Simulink, and/or C/C++).
• Ability to translate customer requirements into research focus.
• Excellent communication skills for describing complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Deep expertise in RF systems, radar systems, and RF test & measurement.
• Strong understanding of radar architectures, waveforms, modes, and RF signal chains.
• Even better: Current TS/SSBI with SCI and ability to gain and hold SCI/SAP accreditations.
• Prior experience with advanced development efforts in DoD programs.
• Prior experience integrating new functionality or modes into existing or third‑party radar systems.
• Broad experience across multiple defense‑related RF domain programs (e.g., Communications, Electronic Warfare, Radar, etc.).

Pay

Full‑Time Salary Range: $160,000 – $220,000. The range is based on external market data; offers consider experience, education, training, key skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.