Senior RF Engineer

The Mitre Corporation • Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

4d • $126,800 - $190,200 • Onsite

About The Position

MITRE is a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. Its Air & Space Intelligence Department delivers engineering analyses to improve current and future warfighter operations in contested and denied environments, working with U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, intelligence, acquisition, and warfighting sponsors. The department assesses adversarial capabilities and threats, analyzes mission and effects chains, develops engineering architectures for intelligence applications, identifies mitigation opportunities, and evaluates emerging technologies.

The Senior RF Engineer analyzes radio frequency (RF) and satellite communication (Satcom) antenna systems, including phased array and reflector antennas, and models their performance in varied environments and operational conditions. The role supports digital engineering architectures for intelligence applications, end-to-end effects chain analysis, experimentation and prototyping, and intelligence assessments of adversary systems. The engineer collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to understand how adversaries integrate antenna systems with satellite payloads and platforms, and evaluates technology advances for future warfighter operations. This position requires working onsite at least four days per week and an active Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government-issued security clearance. Candidates must be U.S. citizens to be eligible for a clearance.

Requirements

• Typically, at least 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; 3 years with a master's degree; or a Ph.D. with relevant experience and ability to contribute immediately at this job step; equivalent combinations of education and work experience are also considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in antenna theory and design, particularly for Satcom systems.
• Proficiency with antenna design and analysis software such as HFSS, CST, or FEKO.
• Strong understanding of RF principles and electromagnetic theory.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools for predicting antenna performance.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Active Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government-issued security clearance; candidates must be U.S. citizens to be eligible for a security clearance.
• Ability to work onsite at least 4 days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience with digital engineering tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of intelligence assessments and threat analysis related to Satcom systems.
• Familiarity with spectral regulations and standards governing satellite communications.
• Experience in Space Systems Operations.
• Experience with operations involving EW, cyber, and/or EW-enabled cyber threats.
• Experience conducting outdoor antenna range testing and measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop novel solutions to complex technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Analyze designs of operational RF and Satcom antenna systems, including phased array and reflector antennas.
• Conduct modeling and simulation to predict antenna performance across environments and operational conditions.
• Support development of digital engineering architectures for intelligence applications related to Satcom systems.
• Participate in end-to-end effects chain analysis to assess adversarial threats and identify mitigation strategies.
• Engage in experimentation and prototyping of antenna technologies and threat mitigation capabilities.
• Monitor advancements in antenna and Satcom technologies and assess their applicability to future warfighter operations in contested and denied environments.
• Develop tailored, engineering-level intelligence assessments of adversary systems to support engineering research, experimentation, prototype development, acquisition, test and evaluation, and operational execution of cyber and electronic warfare solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand adversary integration of antenna systems with satellite payloads and platforms.

What This Job Offers

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