Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Senior RF Electrical Engineer – Job Description Job Title: Electrical Engineer Department: Engineering Reports To: Program Manager and Engineering Director FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-time Salary Range: $140,000 - $175,000 Annually (depending on experience) ROLE We are seeking a Senior RF Electrical Engineer with 15+ years of experience to lead the architecture, design, analysis, and validation of advanced RF systems.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise across traditional tactical radio bands (HF, VHF, UHF) as well as microwave and satellite communications bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka). This role will guide RF product development from concept through production, including requirements definition, link budgets, schematic design, PCB layout direction, thermal considerations, and full system verification.

The candidate will influence technology road maps, support key customer programs, and mentor junior engineers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform end‑to‑end RF system design and analysis, including full‑wave simulation, modeling, link budgets, cascade analysis, and environmental/thermal assessments. Develop RF and mixed‑signal schematics; collaborate with PCB layout to ensure optimal RF routing, grounding, shielding, thermal performance, and EMI/EMC compatibility.

Architect, evaluate, and optimize RF signal chains for transceivers, tactical radios, microwave links, and satellite communication systems. Perform cascade analysis of RF/Microwave modules and systems to predict gain, IP2/IP3, noise, and power spectrum. Use industry tools (ADS, HFSS, Microwave Office, MATLAB, etc.) for circuit, EM, and system‑level modeling.

Lead RF hardware bring‑up, integration, calibration (gain/phase, frequency alignment, temperature compensation), and system validation. Plan and execute test campaigns using VNAs, signal analyzers, power meters, and automated test environments. Collaborate with manufacturing to incorporate DFM/DFT principles and support production test strategy development.

Execute RF design tasks independently, or in small teams, while collaborating across multidisciplinary groups. Prepare design documentation and present RF architectures, analyses, and test results to internal teams, customers, and technical review boards. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, contributing to long‑term capability growth.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Ability to lead the design and development of RF subsystems including transceivers, LNAs/PAs, mixers, filters, synthesizers, and antenna front ends. Hands-on experience with schematic design and PCB layout of RF circuitry, including routing, grounding, stack‑up control, shielding, controlled‑impedance lines, and RF‑specific DFM considerations.

Hands‑on experience with RFIC/MMIC‑based components (amplifiers, mixers, switches, dividers, PLLs). Solid understanding of propagation effects, modulation methods, common RF impairments, and signal conditioning across frequency bands. Proficiency in cascade analysis, IP2/IP3, noise and linearity budgeting, and system‑level RF performance optimization.

Demonstrated expertise in RF hardware testing, troubleshooting, and qualification. Experienced with RF/microwave test equipment and automated/ATE environments. Experience supporting production builds, diagnosing RF performance deviations, resolving test failures, and driving corrective actions with manufacturing and test engineering teams.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Familiarity with DSP concepts as they relate to modern RF architectures (digital predistortion, filtering, modulation). Familiarity with tactical radio waveforms and interoperability standards (SINCGARS, Link‑16, SRW, WNW). Experience with space‑grade RF hardware, screening, documentation, and environmental qualification.

Experience with RF subsystems used in radar, including phased arrays, high‑frequency front ends, and microwave/mm. Wave architectures. Antenna design, modeling, test, or selection experience for tactical, microwave, or SATCOM systems. Background in DFM/DFT, production support, and manufacturing test processes for RF hardware.

Familiarity with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, CISPR 22/32 and related qualification standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Master’s a plus. 15+ years of RF engineering experience in industry, aerospace, defense, or high-frequency commercial sectors. Expert-level knowledge of RF circuit design, including transceivers, LNAs, PAs, mixers, filters, PLLs, oscillators, and antenna systems.

US Person required; ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance. Position located in Melbourne, FL