Research Electrical Engineer I or II, MSD

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

42d•$80,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is seeking an Electrical Engineer I or II for its Mission Systems Division (MSD) in Blacksburg, Virginia. MSD focuses on interdisciplinary solutions for cutting-edge technological challenges in platforms such as satellites, UAVs, UUVs, and drone swarms. This is a hands-on research and development role where the engineer will build and integrate electrical and RF subsystems for research testbeds. Responsibilities include fabricating and assembling hardware, building cables and harnesses, populating printed circuit boards, producing design drawings, and maintaining test infrastructure. The engineer will also support senior researchers with RF hardware development, design drawings, and PCB layout. This role will primarily support the Counter-UAS Test and Research Center and the Space Domain Awareness portfolios. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits within a university setting.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Hands-on experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware.
Proficiency with the tools germane to the field of research.
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an adjacent engineering discipline.
Ability to lift and move 25 pounds or more of equipment; ability to climb, stoop, bend, squat and traverse on uneven terrain.
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an adjacent engineering discipline, or Bachelor’s degree and significant post-degree experience and relevant certifications (for Research Engineer II).
Experience designing, fabricating, integrating, and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware (for Research Engineer II).

Nice To Haves

Active security clearance
Experience integrating building hardware
Experience with electrical and RF design and simulation tools (e.g. Altium Designer, KiCad, MATLAB, HFSS, CST Microwave Studio.)
Experience supporting laboratory or field test campaigns for aerospace, maritime, or wireless systems

Responsibilities

Build, integrate, and test electrical and RF subsystems that enable research testbeds in support of university-sponsored programs.
Support researchers across the division with hands-on RF hardware development, design drawings, and PCB layout.
Support the development of new funded research programs by participating in proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division.
Author technical documentation including design drawings, test procedures, and test reports.
Provide guidance to junior engineers/developers and students on research projects (for Research Engineer II).
Provide oversight of junior engineers/developers (for Research Engineer II).