Hardware Engineer 1

Avid Technology Professionals • Annapolis Junction, MD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This role involves RF design, installation, and testing of RF/SATCOM hardware across various frequency bands (C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q/V-band). The engineer will be responsible for ensuring communication links are established and maintained, performing maintenance and troubleshooting, and utilizing specialized test equipment. The position also requires the creation of technical documentation, coordination with cross-functional teams, and occasional travel to support global operations. A strong understanding of RF design principles, SATCOM systems, and problem-solving skills is essential, along with the ability to lead and train personnel.

Requirements

• Hands-on proficiency with Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, Spec-A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
• Experience developing preventive-maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety-rule documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi-service audiences.
• Proven problem-solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
• Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
• Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware.
• Knowledgeable of RF design, installation, and test, with a focus on SATCOM systems.
• Three (3) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and test RF/SATCOM hardware (C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q/V-band) while accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain-fade, and polarization-mismatch effects.
• Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, rack and align hardware, and operate earth-terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide-band and satellite communication links.
• Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot on-the-spot malfunctions; apply anti-jamming techniques and enforce safety/maintenance procedures.
• Use Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, Spec-A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S-parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase-noise, group-delay, and perform non-linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).
• Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and technical design packages.
• Prepare engineering plans, as-built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (system architects, PMs, test sites).
• Travel up to 15% worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or austere environments.
• Lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed