Radio Frequency Hardware Engineer

Everwatch•Annapolis Junction, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Reliable Radio Frequency (RF) hardware systems are critical to enabling secure and resilient communications for mission success. Designing and integrating the right RF and SATCOM solutions requires a combination of advanced technical expertise and careful system planning. This role involves developing and supporting RF systems for defense agencies. As an RF Hardware Engineer on our team, you’ll use your experience in RF system design, SATCOM integration, microwave engineering, frequency band analysis, signal propagation, and hardware testing to support mission-critical communications capabilities and respond to evolving operational requirements. You’ll design, install, integrate, and test complex RF systems and SATCOM components operating across multiple frequency bands, including C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band, while improving system performance, reliability, and operational readiness. You’ll apply your expertise in RF hardware development, antenna systems, link budget analysis, test and measurement equipment, system interoperability, and troubleshooting as you join our team of problem-solvers to develop and deploy advanced SATCOM and RF communication capabilities for global operations. Your knowledge of RF architectures, satellite communication systems, emerging wireless technologies, and hardware integration will come in handy as you optimize system performance and support modernization initiatives. Using your experience with RF test equipment, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, SATCOM terminals, integration testing, and deployment support, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders on mission-critical RF projects. Using your technical curiosity and understanding of industry standards, you’ll make an impact on national security and advanced communications missions. Further your career with us as we help support next-generation SATCOM systems, and strengthen mission readiness worldwide.

Requirements

Experience with RF/SATCOM hardware design, installation, integration, and testing across C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, and Q/V-band systems
Experience with conducting site surveys, antenna alignment, rack integration, and operation of earth-terminal control consoles for wide-band and satellite communication links
Experience with performing preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance on RF and SATCOM systems in operational environments
Experience with troubleshooting complex RF hardware issues and implementing corrective actions to improve system performance and maintainability
Experience with using RF test equipment including Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, Spec-A, RF signal generators, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and BER testers
Experience with developing engineering documentation including AutoCAD/Visio drawings, schematics, block diagrams, technical design packages, maintenance records, and test reports
Experience with supporting installations, testing, and maintenance activities in remote or austere environments
Knowledge of SATCOM systems, preventive maintenance procedures, RF safety standards, and engineering documentation practices
Ability to lead maintenance and inspection activities while mentoring and training technical personnel
Ability to Travel up to 15% worldwide and perform physical installation activities including climbing antennas and lifting equipment
TS/SCI with polygraph
HS Diploma and 10 years of experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or related technical field and 5+ years of experience

Nice To Haves

Experience with RF system deployments in tactical or expeditionary environments
Knowledge of RF propagation effects including atmospheric attenuation, rain-fade, ionospheric scintillation, and polarization mismatch
Knowledge of RF measurements and analysis including S-parameters, P1dB, TOI, noise figure, phase noise, group delay, IMD, and spectral regrowth
Ability to Analyze system data, resolve hardware malfunctions, and communicate technical findings to cross-functional teams and stakeholders
FCC GROL or related RF/SATCOM Certifications

Responsibilities

Design, install, integrate, and test complex RF systems and SATCOM components operating across multiple frequency bands (C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band).
Improve system performance, reliability, and operational readiness.
Apply expertise in RF hardware development, antenna systems, link budget analysis, test and measurement equipment, system interoperability, and troubleshooting.
Develop and deploy advanced SATCOM and RF communication capabilities for global operations.
Optimize system performance and support modernization initiatives.
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders on mission-critical RF projects.
Make an impact on national security and advanced communications missions.
Support next-generation SATCOM systems and strengthen mission readiness worldwide.
Conduct site surveys, antenna alignment, rack integration, and operation of earth-terminal control consoles for wide-band and satellite communication links.
Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance on RF and SATCOM systems in operational environments.
Troubleshoot complex RF hardware issues and implement corrective actions to improve system performance and maintainability.
Develop engineering documentation including AutoCAD/Visio drawings, schematics, block diagrams, technical design packages, maintenance records, and test reports.
Support installations, testing, and maintenance activities in remote or austere environments.
Lead maintenance and inspection activities while mentoring and training technical personnel.