Principal RF Electrical Engineer

BAE Systems•Austin, TX

4d•$118,095 - $200,762•Hybrid

About The Position

BAE Systems is seeking a talented, motivated Principal RF Electrical Engineer to join an Agile engineering team in Austin, Texas. This role involves designing, testing, and validating radio frequency (RF) systems and components to ensure performance, quality, and reliability. The position requires a deep understanding of RF principles, design and test methodologies, and the ability to work with advanced test equipment. Collaboration with design engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders is essential for developing test plans, integrating test solutions, and providing detailed reports. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, possess strong analytical skills, and have a passion for continuous improvement. The company offers a flexible work environment, a 9/80 work schedule, and competitive benefits, with a mission to protect warfighters on all fronts through first-of-its-kind technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a minimum 6 years of prior work experience or an Advanced degree and minimum 4 years of prior work experience
Demonstrated understanding of RF/analog/power/mixed signal electronics fundamentals
Proficiency with electrical engineering design, schematic capture and analysis tools
Strong “hands-on” laboratory experience with instrumentation, equipment, and processes
Familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, phase noise analyzers, and signal generators
Eligible to obtain a DOD Security Clearance

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of engineering development processes for aero/defense industry, including designing and testing to MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-461
Experience with printed board assembly (PBA, PCB, PWB) design using Cadence tools
Experience with any of the following tools: MATLAB, Python, Computer Simulation Technologies (CST), Microwave Design Studio, High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), Keysight Genesys, and Advanced Design System (ADS)
Experience with RF cascade analysis and frequency planning for RF conversion
RF circuit design experience – high frequency board stack-ups and trace routing (to 40 GHz), lumped element filter design, RF signal chain design (LNAs, mixers, LO/frequency generation, equalizer, filters, attenuators, switches)
Strong hands-on lab skills with ability to prototype and test RF circuits – experience with network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, signal source analyzer
Experience in Power Supply (AC to DC / DC to DC) design
Experience developing compact embedded systems for harsh environments
Familiarity with AS9145 compliant processes
Experience with Electronic Warfare systems, radar systems, or RF software defined radio (SDR) hardware
A self-starter with Agile hardware development experience
Exceptional degree of ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Strong leadership skills
Active DOD security clearance

Responsibilities

Translate system requirements into compliant complex printed board assembly designs.
Lead analog and high frequency RF design and layout.
Lead technical trade studies, evaluation of technology insertion/upgrades, laboratory test and troubleshooting using complex RF test equipment.
Integrate and evaluate hardware module performance using simulation tools and prototype hardware in a laboratory environment.
Generate design documentation and verification test procedures.
Lead design reviews throughout development lifecycle phases.
Collaborate with test engineers to identify and resolve design / testability issues early in the development process.
Analyze design artifacts and test data and provide detailed reports on performance, quality, and reliability.
Mentor and provide technical support and guidance to other team members in the RF domain.
Employ expertise, decision skills, and independent judgment for RF test solutions in a production environment.
Design, develop and troubleshoot test solutions to support DVT (Design Verification Testing) and high-volume production testing.
Perform high-volume RF testing using advanced test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.
Document test procedures, results, and any issues encountered during testing.
Assist in the development of new RF testing methodologies and best practices.
Support the hardware engineering department in the execution of RF Technology Training.