Principal RF Hardware Engineer

STR is focused on delivering National Defense capabilities by driving mission-focused strategies to develop advanced technology systems enabling enduring products and solutions focused on achieving the customer vision. Our programs deliver sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes. We consider the entire lifecycle of the solution, from conceptualization and architecting, through development to deployment, while leveraging novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems.

We are seeking a Principal RF Hardware Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced multi-function RF systems. You will collaborate with fellow researchers and engineers on multi-disciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions in areas of focus including exploration and demonstration of Radar and EW/RF convergence.

In this role, you will design and implement RF hardware under the guidance of senior Engineers for operationally relevant environments. This position will offer the opportunity for technical design, analysis, development, testing, and fielding of capabilities.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and expertise in areas such as: RF, radar, communications systems, RF component specification and selection, analog and digital signal processing, software-defined radios (SDRs), FPGA firmware and hardware development, microcontrollers and embedded processors, physics modeling and simulation, systems engineering, and test & evaluation. This position requires skills in working with multi-disciplinary teams, design, development, and test activities, as well as proficiency in relevant technologies. Strong interpersonal, communication, and technical skills are required.  Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, detail oriented and have ability to effectively communicate. 

What you will do:

• Lead development of RF hardware systems through the development lifecycle, from system requirements definition through to delivery
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand system requirements and specifications as they relate to assigned tasking
• Design and implement hardware designs and support assembly, integration, and testing. Activities may include:
  • Identify and select RF systems components (for example: active and passive devices, antennas, connectors, cables, physical enclosures, etc.)
  • Conduct supporting analyses to inform/justify decisions (e.g. RF link budgets)
  • Support assembly, initial operation, and check out of system (including definition of test plans)
• Near term tasking may be related to RF systems for airborne applications, but you may be tasked on other applications as needed

Who you are:

• This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
• Expertise with technical concepts related to RF systems and their principles of design, development, requirements verification, test planning, test execution, and data analysis
• Ability to survey literature to determine state-of-the-art solutions and incorporate them to current problem sets
• Experience in preparing and delivering high-level briefings to Customers and senior management.  Interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end solution
• Capable of effectively working in a team environment, often under tight deadlines
• Demonstrated desire to successfully pursue new challenges, improve and broaden technical skills, seek greater responsibilities, and increase individual value to the organization
• Experience in providing information for briefings and technical reviews (SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, TIMS)
• Background should include a Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of applicable experience; Master’s degree. Equivalent experience will be considered

Nice to have:

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: radar systems, electronic warfare, microwave engineering, analog and digital signal processing, embedded software development, physics modeling and simulation

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $206,000 - $285,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.