RF/EW R&D Engineer

About the role

SRC, Inc. is currently seeking a Mid-Level Radio Frequency (RF) / Electronic Warfare (EW) Research & Development Engineer to support the design, integration, testing, sustainment, and advancement of next-generation RF and EW simulation capabilities. This role is heavily focused on research and development activities within a dynamic laboratory environment supporting prototype development, system integration, experimental testing, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) operations, and user demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Research & Development Activities
• RF / EW System Development
• Support research and development of advanced RF, radar, and EW simulation capabilities
• Aid with integration, configuration, and evaluation of prototype hardware, RF subsystems, and experimental technologies
• Develop, evaluate, and improve advanced electromagnetic environment simulation systems and supporting RF infrastructure
• Prototype Integration & Experimental Testing
• Configure and support experimental laboratory test environments for engineering development efforts
• Integrate Systems Under Test (SUT) with RF simulators, HITL systems, and supporting laboratory infrastructure
• Support iterative hardware and software testing, rapid troubleshooting, and implementation of engineering changes during development cycles
• Collect, document, and analyze test data to support engineering evaluations and technical reporting
• Technology Evaluation & Modernization
• Evaluate emerging RF and EW technologies to support future laboratory and simulation capabilities
• Aid with development of upgrade roadmaps and modernization recommendations for aging laboratory systems and infrastructure
• Support proof-of-concept demonstrations and advanced technology integration activities
• Laboratory Operations & HITL Support
• HITL & Lab Operations
• Configure and maintain HITL laboratory environments supporting R&D and engineering integration efforts
• Support daily laboratory operations including RF routing, equipment configuration, system verification, and troubleshooting
• Ensure laboratory systems are operational and available to support engineering development schedules and user demonstrations
• Demonstration Support
• Support Lead Engineers during internal and external technical demonstrations and evaluation events
• Aid with demonstration setup, system checkout, issue resolution, and operational support during live events
• Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Sustainment
• RF System Troubleshooting
• Troubleshoot complex RF and electronic systems to the subsystem and component level
• Utilize schematics, block diagrams, and technical documentation to isolate and resolve hardware and integration issues
• Repair or replace faulty cables, RF components, circuit cards, and supporting subsystems
• Preventive Maintenance & Calibration
• Perform preventive maintenance and sustainment activities on RF simulators, EW systems, and laboratory infrastructure
• Support calibration and verification activities for RF test equipment including: Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Oscilloscopes, Power Meters
• Process Improvement & Technical Documentation
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, test configurations, QA/QC checklists, and engineering documentation
• Maintain logs of system performance, failures, troubleshooting activities, and corrective actions
• Support trend analysis and reliability improvement initiatives including Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) tracking
• Sustainment & Upgrade Planning
• Assist with long-term sustainment planning including inventory management, spare tracking, maintenance scheduling, and equipment replacement planning
• Provide technical recommendations for laboratory improvements and system upgrades

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering
• Minimum 4 years of experience supporting: RF/EW research and development, engineering laboratories, HITL integration environments, prototype development and system integration activities
• Specialized System Experience: Experience operating, integrating, or maintaining following RF simulator systems: Dynamic Electromagnetic Environment Simulator (DEES), mmWave MicroDEES, VLB DEES, DEF DEES, PhaseDEES, RF Test Equipment
• RF/EW System Experience: Proficiency with operating and interpreting measurements from: Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Oscilloscopes, Power Meters
• Troubleshooting & Integration Skills: Ability to read and interpret: Electrical schematics, RF block diagrams, wiring diagrams, engineering documentation
• Collaboration & Communication: Proven ability to troubleshoot integrated RF systems and laboratory hardware, work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams, strong written and verbal communication skills, clear documentation of test procedures, technical findings, and troubleshooting activities
• Microsoft Office proficiency: Including using Pivot tables in excel, Cost Point & COBRA experience a plus

Preferred Requirements

• Experience supporting defense or aerospace R&D programs
• Experience supporting user demonstrations, technical evaluations, or government test events
• Familiarity with laboratory asset management and calibration tracking systems
• Experience supporting advanced RF, EW, radar, or electromagnetic environment simulation technologies

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including four or more weeks of paid time off to start, 10 percent employer contribution toward retirement, and 100 percent tuition support. Total compensation for this role is market competitive. The anticipated salary range for this position based out of Dayton, OH is estimated at $95,000 to $115,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant's experience, skills, and abilities, geographic location as well as other business and organizational needs.