Hardware Engineer 1 (Travel Required) - RF

Captivation Software • Annapolis Junction, MD

4d • $130,000 - $270,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Captivation Software is looking for a mid level hardware engineer who will be responsible for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, with a focus on SATCOM components and devices operating in various frequency bands, including but not limited to C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band. The successful candidate will be working on complex RF system design, installation, and test, and will be required to travel up to 15% worldwide. The RF Design Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our RF systems, from design to deployment, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet user requirements.

Requirements

• Must currently hold a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government security clearance with a favorable Polygraph, therefore all candidates must be a U.S. citizen
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required
• Seven (7) years experience as a HE analyzing complex hardware systems for SIGINT solutions
• Five (5) years of additional hardware engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree
• This position is open for direct hires only. We will not consider candidates from third party staffing/recruiting firms.

Responsibilities

• RF Design and 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Annual Salary: $130,000 - $270,000 (Depends on the Years of Experience)
• Up to 20% 401k contribution (No Matching Required and Vested from Day 1)
• Above Market Hourly Rates
• $3,600 HSA Contribution
• 6 Weeks Paid Time Off
• Company Paid Employee Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/Life Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level