Research Engineer - RF, photonic, mixed-signal

SRI International•Boulder, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

SRI is seeking a Research Engineer (Level I or II) onsite in Boulder, CO, to support the design, development, and prototyping of advanced electronic and sensing systems. This role emphasizes PCB design, embedded hardware, RF/mixed-signal electronics, and hands-on laboratory development. You will work within multidisciplinary teams to build real-time hardware systems for remote sensing and photonics applications, including radar, quantum sensing, photonics, and communications systems. This role is well-suited for engineers who enjoy hands-on development, rapid prototyping, and solving complex technical challenges. This position is part of the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD), which develops innovative, high-performance technologies across domains including radar and electronic warfare, imaging, robotics, quantum sensing, and applied optics.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Experience with PCB design (schematic capture, layout, and routing) for mixed-signal and/or RF systems
Experience with high-speed digital, controlled impedance design, and analog signal conditioning
Proficiency in Python, C, C++, or MATLAB
Familiarity with communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART)
Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation and hardware debugging
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Willingness to travel occasionally for testing or fieldwork

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) theory and implementation
Experience with FPGA development and high-speed digital systems
Experience with embedded programming in microcontrollers, software defined radios (SDRs), or graphics processing units (GPUs)
Familiarity with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST)
Experience with low-power or battery-operated systems
Background in research, prototyping, or government-funded R&D
Experience with networking systems or hardware/software integration
Exposure to AI/ML applied to sensing or signal processing
Familiarity with semiconductor devices (e.g., photodetectors, LEDs, lasers)
Experience or interest in identifying and characterizing noise sources in sensing systems (particularly in low-SNR or difficult-to-amplify measurement regimes)
Ability to differentiate contributions from electronic, optical, and environmental noise

Responsibilities

Contributes to hardware design, PCB layout, and system integration under guidance from senior engineers
Supports prototyping, testing, and debugging of electronic systems in a laboratory environment
Assists with schematic capture, component selection, and documentation
Implements well-defined portions of embedded systems and interfaces
Learns and applies RF, DSP, and system-level concepts to real-world problems
Works primarily on defined tasks with increasing independence over time
Independently designs and develops subsystems, including PCB design, embedded hardware, and RF/mixed-signal circuits
Leads portions of system integration, test planning, and debugging efforts
Makes architectural and design trade-off decisions within subsystems
Contributes to embedded system development for real-time data acquisition and processing
Applies DSP, RF, and system-level knowledge to solve complex engineering problems
Mentors junior engineers and contributes to technical direction on small projects
Communicates technical results to internal teams and external stakeholders
Design and develop RF and mixed-signal electronic systems, including transmit/receive chains, filtering, signal conditioning, and drivers/controls for photonic systems
Design schematics and perform PCB layout for high-speed, mixed-signal, and RF circuits
Develop and integrate embedded hardware systems for real-time data acquisition and control
Prototype, test, and debug hardware using laboratory instrumentation (oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, signal generators)
Perform RF and system-level characterization (e.g., S-parameters, noise figure, spectral analysis)
Collaborate with cross-functional teams across software, firmware, mechanical, and systems engineering
Support rapid prototyping from concept through demonstration and field testing
Document designs, test procedures, and results in technical reports and presentations