RF Hardware Engineer

Lockheed Martin•Fort Meade, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The GG RF Hardware Engineer is a critical role responsible for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, with a focus on SATCOM components and devices operating in various frequency bands, including but not limited to C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band. The successful candidate will be working on complex RF system design, installation, and test, and will be required to travel up to 15% worldwide. The RF Design Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our RF systems, from design to deployment, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet user requirements. The program performs the analysis, design, development, integration, test and deployment, securing, modernization, and operations and maintenance (O&M) and decommissioning activities of RF and optical capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with seven (7) years or more of professional experience. An additional five (5) years of experience can be substituted for a degree.
Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.
Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware.
Knowledgeable of RF design, installation, and test, with a focus on SATCOM systems.
Travel up to 15% worldwide.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar field.
Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
Expertise in AutoCAD, Visio (or equivalent) for creating schematics, block diagrams, and layout drawings.
Strong ability to perform antenna‑pattern, G/T, and link‑budget analyses that incorporate rain‑fade, pointing‑error, and polarization‑mismatch considerations.
Knowledge of RF distribution, RF Switching, low power amplifiers, power supplies, and BITE solutions.
Programming/scripting skills in Python or VBA for instrument control, data acquisition, and API integration (e.g., automating PNA‑X measurements).
Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation; familiar with Air Force, Army, Navy, and joint maintenance management procedures.
Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.
Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, and implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
Commitment to continuous learning; staying current with emerging SATCOM technologies, standards, and communication techniques (ie. 5G, frequency reuse, etc.)
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience in troubleshooting complex RF systems.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, with a focus on staying current with emerging trends and technologies in SATCOM.

Responsibilities

Design, install, and test RF / SATCOM hardware (C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, Q/V‑band) while accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain‑fade, and polarization‑mismatch effects.
Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, rack and align hardware, and operate earth‑terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide‑band and satellite communication links.
Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot on‑the‑spot malfunctions; apply anti‑jamming techniques and enforce safety/maintenance procedures.
Use Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S‑parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase‑noise, group‑delay, and perform non‑linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).
Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and technical design packages.
Prepare engineering plans, as‑built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records; coordinate with cross‑functional teams (system architects, PMs, test sites).
Travel up‑to 15% worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or austere environments.