Research Electrical Engineer I or II, MSD

About the role

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) was formed in 2021 with the aspiration to become the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development to advance national security. The Institute grew from the Hume Center, which was launched in 2010 thanks to an endowment from Ted and Karyn Hume. VTNSI is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique research infrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development.

Responsibilities

• Build, integrate, and test electrical and RF subsystems that enable research testbeds in support of university-sponsored programs
• Serve researchers across the division with hands-on RF hardware development, design drawings, and PCB layout
• Support the development of new funded research programs by participating in proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division
• Author technical documentation including design drawings, test procedures, and test reports
• Provide guidance to junior engineers/developers and students on research projects
• Provide oversight of junior engineers/developers

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Hands-on experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware
• Proficiency with the tools germane to the field of research
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an adjacent engineering discipline
• Ability to lift and move 25 pounds or more of equipment; ability to climb, stoop, bend, squat and traverse on uneven terrain

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an adjacent engineering discipline, or Bachelor’s degree and significant post-degree experience and relevant certifications
• Experience designing, fabricating, integrating, and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware
• Proficiency with the tools germane to the field of research

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance
• Experience integrating building hardware
• Experience with electrical and RF design and simulation tools (e.g. Altium Designer, KiCad, MATLAB, HFSS, CST Microwave Studio.)
• Experience supporting laboratory or field test campaigns for aerospace, maritime, or wireless systems