Principal RF Design Engineer

BAE Systems Plc • Cedar Rapids, IA

35d • $105,254 - $178,931 • Hybrid

About The Position

Because this role a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a hybrid work format, with time split working onsite and remotely. Are you searching for career opportunities that bring meaning and purpose to your life? Are you ready to proudly support those who protect our nation? Then navigate your way to BAE Systems Inc. Navigation and Sensor Systems in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Navigation & Sensor Systems (N&SS) organization is expanding to deliver the next generation of advanced military navigation solutions. Our work powers everything from threat‑detection systems for F‑35 pilots to night‑vision equipment for ground forces, spanning air, land, sea, and space. We thrive on diverse perspectives, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to "We Protect Those Who Protect Us." Pilots fly the aircraft; our navigation systems chart the course and keep them on track. As a Principal RF Design Engineer, you will shape the technical vision for high‑performance RF hardware that enables precision navigation across the full spectrum of defense platforms. You'll mentor the next generation of engineers, drive architecture decisions, and own the end‑to‑end delivery of complex RF subsystems. If you are a seasoned RF professional ready to lead the development of mission‑critical navigation technology and make a tangible difference for the men and women who defend our nation, we want to hear from you. Plant your flag at our Cedar Rapids location and help shape the future of advanced military navigation.

Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Equivalent
• Must have 6+ years of experience working in Engineering or the Electronics Field
• Experienced with RF Design in L-band frequencies; deep knowledge of S‑parameters, impedance matching, noise figure, linearity, and system‑level trade‑offs
• US Citizen capable of obtaining a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers

Nice To Haves

• Experience with EM/circuit simulation tools like Keysight ADS and or AWR Microwave Office
• Circuit board design experience including experience with schematic capture tools and PCB layou
• Experience with military aerospace testing standards such as MIL-STD-461
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing and troubleshooting
• Testing of RF components (Filters, amplifiers, mixers, synthesizers, MMICs, oscillators)

Responsibilities

• Lead the hardware design for RF circuit cards on the Weapons Hardware team for guided weapons products through the full development cycle, including requirements, prelim/critical design, integration, qualification, and high rate factory support
• Design, test, analyze, integrate, qualify and document hardware of moderate to high complexity
• Support RF MMIC development for GPS receivers across multiple product portfolios: airborne, weapons, and ground military products
• Provide technical leadership for RF hardware architecture, design and development of Military GPS applications
• Utilize RF design and analysis tools and software, esp. ADS and MATLAB
• Contribute to engineering program pursuits and bid estimates
• Work closely with other engineering disciplines (ie mechanical, software and systems engineering) to ensure the electrical design is appropriate for the project/product design approach
• Work with mechanical engineers to ensure proper packaging of electronics
• Participate in cross-functional team efforts in integration, pre-qualification and qualification for products and sub-systems of moderate to high complexity
• Conduct root-cause-analysis and technical investigations for software/hardware designs
• Mentor other engineering staff

Benefits

• health, dental, and vision insurance
• health savings accounts
• a 401(k) savings plan
• disability coverage
• life and accident insurance
• an employee assistance program
• a legal plan
• discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave
• Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees