RF Systems Engineer- Wireless and Satellite Communications Full-time

RF Systems Engineer- Wireless And Satellite Communications

Support developing next-generation wireless communication systems, including HF radio networks, 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite-based links in the Advanced Technology Laboratory contributing to the modeling, design, integration, and field testing of RF systems and subsystems. This position welcomes candidates with deep expertise in two or more of the team's core technical areas: communications networking, signal processing, FPGA/HDL design, and RF circuit and antenna design.

Responsibilities

• Development and implementation of signal processing chains for communication systems – including sampling, equalization, modulation/demodulation, and forward error correction – in software, or programmable hardware (FPGA/HDL), or both.
• Design and implementation of communications networking software and protocols for wireless and SATCOM systems.
• Design, assessment, and development of RF circuits, antennas, and associated components (matching networks, duplexers, filters, amplifiers, mixers).
• Development and testing of low- and high-power RF and analog circuits and subsystems.
• Testing in both laboratory and field environments of RF elements, subsystems, and full systems using modern RF test equipment.
• Preparing and delivering technical presentations of results, designs, and trade studies to internal and external project stakeholders.
• Documentation of all components and subsystems developed
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering or other related discipline with an emphasis on electromagnetics, microwaves, signal processing, or communication systems.
• Three years of related experience.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators) and laboratory measurement techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the RF spectrum, propagation, and associated environmental effects.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and test in at least two of the following areas:
• Digital signal processing for communications (sampling theory, equalizers, modulators/demodulators, forward error correction)
• FPGA design and hardware description languages (VHDL/Verilog)
• Communications networking concepts and protocol implementation
• RF circuit and/or antenna design
• Experience preparing and delivering technical presentations and written documentation.
• Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.
• US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on electromagnetics, microwaves, signal processing, or communication systems.
• More than seven years of related experience.
• Direct experience with 5G, including non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and/or satellite communication systems (SATCOM, LEO/MEO/GEO links).
• Direct experience with HF radios.
• Hardware/software co-design experience (e.g., implementing DSP algorithms in FPGAs).
• Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and over-the-air testing.
• Practical experience with antenna design across a range of topologies.
• Software development experience in Python, C/C++, or MATLAB for RF systems modeling, simulation, or test automation.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Salary Range

$104,000-$174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial college transcripts