Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Lead

Battelle • Columbus, OH

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle’s Advanced Microsystems Solutions – RF Spectrum portfolio delivers advanced Radio Frequency (RF), Electronic Warfare (EW), and communications systems for U.S. Government and select commercial customers—spanning concept development, capture, system design, integration, test, and operational transition. As a Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Lead you will support the development of advanced RF, communications, sensing, and electronic warfare (EW) systems This role blends RF design, system integration, signal processing, and test execution while serving as a technical lead on projects or major workstreams. The RF Engineer Lead works independently to solve complex technical challenges, contributes to system architecture and design decisions, and provides guidance to less experienced engineers. This position operates across the full program lifecycle—from concept development through integration, field test, and performance validation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in: RF system design, integration, and analysis
• Signal processing and modeling tools (MATLAB, Python, etc.)
• RF lab/test equipment and measurement techniques
• Ability to independently solve complex problems and contribute to technical strategy
• Must be a US Citizen; willing to obtain and maintain DOD Top Secret clearance

Nice To Haves

• Experience with: Electronic warfare (EW), radar, or communications systems
• Software Defined Radio (SDR) or FPGA-based systems
• Phased arrays, beamforming, or direction finding
• RF modeling tools (HFSS, ADS, CST, etc.)
• Experience supporting DoD or government programs
• Active or eligible for DOD Secret clearance

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF/microwave systems, subsystems, and components across the signal chain (antenna → RF front end → processing)
• Perform RF system analysis, link budgeting, and performance modeling
• Apply DSP techniques (e.g., filtering, detection, waveform processing) to RF systems
• Contribute to architecture, trade studies, and design reviews
• Lead or support integration of RF hardware, DSP, and embedded/software components
• Plan and execute system-level integration and validation activities
• Ensure alignment between system requirements, design implementation, and verification
• Develop and execute test plans for RF, EW, and communications systems in lab and field environments
• Analyze test data to evaluate performance, identify issues, and inform design improvements
• Utilize RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators)
• Build system-level models to evaluate RF performance (SNR, interference, propagation)
• Support simulation and analysis for phased arrays, beamforming, and RF propagation
• Validate models using lab and field data
• Lead discrete technical efforts, workstreams, or small-to-mid scale projects
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior engineers
• Serve as a key contributor to design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decisions
• Support proposal writing, IRAD efforts, and customer deliverables
• Collaborate across RF design, systems engineering, antenna, software, and test teams
• Interface with program leadership, customers, and external partners
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule (every other Friday off)
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness incentives and benefits
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan (5% company contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

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