RF Engineer

General Job Summary

This full-time position is in the Systems Development Department and is a highly motivated role that will participate in the design and implementation of electronic and radio-frequency (RF) systems for applications within the department. This position includes hands-on field work and live test/demonstration support at customer and test ranges, providing direct exposure to real-world RF environments and scenarios. This role offers a blend of lab, field, and customer-facing work, ideal for engineers who want technical depth in RF plus exposure to systems engineering, integration, and testing.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform RF benchtop testing using signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Lead RF experimentation efforts at field sites under the guidance of senior engineers, providing early opportunities for technical ownership.
• Support the setup, calibration, and operation of RF systems at field tests, live demonstrations, and range events, including antenna deployment, RF cabling, and test instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot RF hardware, cabling, and test equipment under time-constrained, real-world conditions, coordinating closely with engineering teams.
• Aid in developing test execution plans and quick-reaction procedures tailored to field environments (e.g., limited power, site constraints, etc.).
• Maintain detailed configuration records for fielded test setups (equipment IDs, cable runs, firmware versions, settings) to enable repeatable tests.
• Capture field lessons learned and feed them back into design, test procedures, and documentation to improve future deployments and demonstrations.
• Develop and perform test procedures to validate new RF hardware and control software.
• Analyze and interpret signals and waveforms.
• Interface with engineers and scientists of varying disciplines during the design of new systems.
• Participate in team assemblies to analyze, develop requirements, and make recommendations for moderate to complex systems.
• Prepare specifications for purchase of components and equipment.
• Perform trade studies on components for RF systems.
• Ensure individual responsibilities within projects are completed satisfactorily, on time and within budget.
• Travel to customer sites, field locations, and deployment sites as required, potentially including OCONUS locations (estimated 25-50%).

Other Job Functions

• Self-motivated to continually expand knowledge and skills related to this position.
• Strong analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work well with others in a dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Experience and Skills

• Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills with RF chains in the field (e.g., identifying connector, cable, and impedance issues; diagnosing signal anomalies under real world interference).
• Comfortable interacting directly with customers and range personnel; able to represent the RF team professionally in field and demo settings.
• Attention to Detail – Ensures details of assigned tasks are followed.
• Quality Orientation – Accomplishes tasks by considering all areas involved; not matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes, procedures, and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
• Planning and Organization – Systematically identified issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives.
• Technical Expertise – Applies functional knowledge, skills, experience, and judgement to accomplish a result, serve customers better and contribute to the organization’s intellectual capital.

Education and Experience

• Required Qualifications:
• US Citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET.
• MS Degree in Electrical Engineering / Physics or BS Degree in Electrical Engineering / Physics with 3-5 years’ experience.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Comfortable interacting directly with customers and range personnel; able to represent the RF team professionally in field and demo settings.
• Experience with MATLAB.
• Experience working with waveform data in both the frequency and time domains.
• Digital and/or analog electrical hardware design.
• Strong mathematical/analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well with others in a dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated to continually expand knowledge and skills related to this position.