RF Hardware Engineer

About the role

The RF Hardware Engineer designs, analyzes, and develops advanced RF, microwave, and high-speed analog and digital hardware for spacecraft missions, RF payloads, and RF instruments. This role spans the full lifecycle from concept through launch, including circuit design, simulation, layout, testing, documentation, and technical leadership, while collaborating closely with mission, spacecraft, and subsystem engineering teams. The position is onsite in Laurel, MD with some flexibility in working hours.

Responsibilities

• Design RF, microwave, and high-speed analog and digital circuits and components, ensuring high reliability for spaceflight applications.
• Perform detailed circuit and system simulations to predict and optimize performance across RF, microwave, and high-frequency domains.
• Create layouts for RF, microwave, and high-frequency lumped and distributed element circuits, including printed circuit boards with high-density digital and RF content.
• Conduct circuit-level analysis to evaluate performance, identify issues, and recommend design improvements.
• Develop and maintain schematic drawings, test plans, test procedures, and comprehensive test reports for hardware designs.
• Collaborate with mission and spacecraft systems engineers, subsystem engineers, and project management throughout the mission lifecycle from concept through launch.
• Contribute to technical concept design and requirements definition for RF payloads and instruments.
• Participate in and support technical reviews, including design reviews and readiness assessments, providing expert