RF Systems Engineer- Wireless and Satellite Communications

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

2d•$104,000•Onsite

About The Position

The RF Systems Engineer will support the development of next-generation wireless communication systems, including HF radio networks, 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and satellite-based links in the Advanced Technology Laboratory. The role contributes to modeling, design, integration, and field testing of RF systems and subsystems. Candidates should have deep expertise in at least two of the team's core technical areas: communications networking, signal processing, FPGA/HDL design, and RF circuit and antenna design. The position includes developing signal-processing chains and communications networking software and protocols; designing and assessing RF circuits, antennas, and associated components; and developing and testing RF and analog circuits and subsystems. The engineer tests RF elements, subsystems, and complete systems in laboratory and field environments, documents components and subsystems, and presents results, designs, and trade studies to project stakeholders. Other related functions may be assigned. This is a 40-hour-per-week, exempt staff position at the Pickle Research Campus. It is expected to continue. The role involves standard office conditions, possible travel, and some weekend, evening, and holiday work. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet applicable eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Salary is $104,000–$174,000 or more, negotiable depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline emphasizing electromagnetics, microwaves, signal processing, or communication systems.
Three years of related experience.
Proficiency with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and signal generators, and with laboratory measurement techniques.
Demonstrated knowledge of the RF spectrum, propagation, and associated environmental effects.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and test in at least two of the following areas: digital signal processing for communications; FPGA design and hardware description languages (VHDL/Verilog); communications networking concepts and protocol implementation; RF circuit and/or antenna design.
Experience preparing and delivering technical presentations and written documentation.
Ability and willingness to work with new technologies; strong organization, planning, task-coordination, and time-management skills.
Attention to detail, effective problem-solving skills, and good judgment.
Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision, communicate effectively with all groups of clients, work under pressure, and accept supervision.
Regular and punctual attendance.
U.S. citizenship.
Must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to project requirements; selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering emphasizing electromagnetics, microwaves, signal processing, or communication systems.
More than seven years of related experience.
Direct experience with 5G, including non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and/or satellite communication systems (SATCOM, LEO/MEO/GEO links).
Direct experience with HF radios.
Hardware/software co-design experience, such as implementing DSP algorithms in FPGAs.
Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and over-the-air testing.
Practical experience with antenna design across a range of topologies.
Software development experience in Python, C/C++, or MATLAB for RF systems modeling, simulation, or test automation.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement communications-system signal-processing chains, including sampling, equalization, modulation/demodulation, and forward error correction, in software, programmable hardware (FPGA/HDL), or both.
Design and implement communications networking software and protocols for wireless and satellite communications systems.
Design, assess, and develop RF circuits, antennas, and associated components such as matching networks, duplexers, filters, amplifiers, and mixers.
Develop and test low- and high-power RF and analog circuits and subsystems.
Test RF elements, subsystems, and complete systems in laboratory and field environments using modern RF test equipment.
Prepare and deliver technical presentations of results, designs, and trade studies to internal and external project stakeholders.
Document components and subsystems developed.
Perform other related functions as assigned.