Hardware Engineer, Level 2

Independent Software•Columbia, MD

About The Position

As a Hardware Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, installation, testing, and sustainment of advanced RF and SATCOM systems operating across multiple frequency bands. You will support systems from initial design through deployment and operational sustainment, working closely with cross-functional engineering, program management, and test teams. This role includes hands-on field work and up to 15% worldwide travel to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or austere environments.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of RF system design, installation, and test with an emphasis on SATCOM systems.
Hands-on proficiency with RF test and measurement equipment including Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, Spec-A, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF signal generators, and BER testers.
Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex RF hardware and implementing corrective actions to improve system performance and reliability.
Experience developing preventive maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety and maintenance documentation.
Ability to produce clear, concise technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing materials for diverse technical and operational audiences.
Physical ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware in field environments.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
Proven experience supporting RF and SATCOM system design, installation, test, and maintenance in operational environments.
Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

Responsibilities

Design, install, and test RF and SATCOM hardware operating in C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, and Q/V-bands, accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain-fade, and polarization mismatch.
Conduct site surveys; climb antennas; rack, align, and integrate RF hardware; and operate earth-terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide-band satellite communication links.
Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot RF system malfunctions; apply anti-jamming techniques; and enforce safety and maintenance procedures.
Utilize RF test equipment including Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, Spec-A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S-parameters, P1dB, TOI, noise figure, phase noise, group delay, and non-linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).
Develop AutoCAD and Visio drawings, schematics, block diagrams, and complete technical design packages.
Prepare engineering plans, as-built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records.
Coordinate with system architects, program managers, test teams, and site personnel to ensure systems meet performance and user requirements. Travel up to 15% worldwide in support of system installation, testing, and sustainment activities.