RF Engineer - UAS Manufacturing
About The Position
T3i builds mission-critical unmanned systems designed to improve U.S. forces' operational effectiveness and battlefield lethality. Our Blackfoot UAS platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, survivability, and rapid deployment in demanding operational environments. We are seeking an RF Engineer to own the radio frequency design, integration, and performance of the Blackfoot platform - including command and control (C2) datalinks, video transmission, GPS/GNSS, and spectrum management. This is a hands-on technical role that directly shapes the lethality and survivability of a system operating in contested RF environments. The RF Engineer will be responsible for the end-to-end RF architecture of the Blackfoot system: from link budget analysis and antenna selection through hardware integration, bench testing, and field validation. The ideal candidate understands the unique RF challenges of small UAS - size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, multipath environments, and spectrum competition - and has hands-on experience to solve them quickly in a production context.
Requirements
- 5+ years of RF engineering experience, with demonstrated hands-on hardware integration and test
- Proficiency in link budget analysis, antenna pattern characterization, and RF system performance modeling
- Experience with RF test and measurement equipment: spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, power meters
- Familiarity with common UAS or embedded RF systems: video transmitters (analog/digital), RC control links, GNSS receivers
- Working knowledge of EMI/EMC principles and mitigation techniques
- Ability to read and interpret RF schematics, PCB layouts, and hardware datasheet
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document test results and present findings to engineering and program team
- U.S. Person status required to support ITAR-controlled programs
Nice To Haves
- Experience with small UAS, FPV drone systems, or tactical datalink hardware
- Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and waveform development
- Experience with RF simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink RF Toolbox, HFSS, or CST
- Understanding of frequency spectrum regulations, FCC Part 15/97, and military spectrum management
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related field
- Experience operating within defense programs with ITAR/export-controlled hardware
- Active or prior security clearance
Responsibilities
- Own the RF architecture for the Blackfoot platform, including C2 datalink, video downlink, GPS/GNSS, and any additional RF subsystems
- Develop and maintain link budgets; analyze range, margin, and interference scenarios across relevant operational environments
- Select, integrate, and validate RF components including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and RF front-end hardware
- Conduct bench and field testing of RF subsystems using spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers (VNA), and other RF test equipment
- Support integration with flight control, video, and C2 systems; collaborate with EE, firmware, and systems engineering teams to resolve RF-related issues
- Characterize antenna performance and support antenna placement trade studies to optimize radiation patterns within SWaP constraints
- Identify and mitigate RF interference, EMI/EMC issues, and spectrum conflicts; support frequency coordination as required
- Develop and maintain RF test procedures, acceptance criteria, and technical documentation in support of production and customer delivery
- Support field exercises, customer demonstrations, and range testing as needed
Benefits
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Annual random drug screening
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
