2027 Graduate - Electrical/Computer Engineer - RF Engineering

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Sign-on bonus

Relocation benefits

Training and development

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites applications for an RF Engineer to design, test, integrate, and operate RF systems for spaceflight missions, delivering robust hardware and software solutions. You will work on HF through W-band hardware, develop DSP algorithms, support terrestrial and space communications, and collaborate with mission systems engineers.

A Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering is required; US citizenship and ability to obtain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or equivalent.
• Passion for RF or high-speed digital design, signal processing, communications, and wireless systems.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to sponsor and contractor sites.
• Ability to obtain interim Top Secret clearance by start date and final clearance subsequently.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test flight RF hardware from HF through W-band, including software-defined radios, antennas, and solid-state power amplifiers.
• Perform analysis of electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering effects.
• Develop computationally efficient DSP algorithms and robust hardware for diverse ground and space-based applications.
• Collaborate with mission systems engineers to define RF requirements and integrate subsystems onto spacecraft.

Skills

RF design

DSP

Signal processing

Willing to travel

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in ECE

Tools

RF design software

Test equipment

Job description

Do you want to become an expert in Engineering RF electronics, sensors, and systems for space?

Are you passionate about space exploration and ensuring our nation’s security?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering, or equivalent, we would love to have you join our RF Engineering team!

We are seeking an RF Engineer ready to take on new challenges as we develop RF systems and components for spaceflight missions. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will design, integrate, test, launch, and operate complex RF systems and the electronic building blocks that enable them. Together, we deliver world-class, cost-effective, and often first-of-their-kind RF systems that operate reliably in the harshest space environments.

As an RF Engineer, you will:

• Design, develop, integrate, and test flight RF hardware operating from HF through W-band, including software-defined radios, antennas, and solid-state power amplifiers.
• Perform analysis of electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering effects.
• Support a wide range of terrestrial and space-based communications, radio-navigation, radiometric, and remote sensing applications by developing novel, computationally efficient digital signal processing algorithms and environmentally robust hardware.
• Partner with mission systems engineers to define RF requirements, design and develop RF subsystems and payloads, integrate them onto spacecraft, and support mission launch and operations.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• Have a passion for RF or high speed digital design, signal processing, communications, and wireless systems.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally to sponsor and contractor sites.
• Are able to obtain an interim top secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a final top secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have experience working with RF design software and test equipment.
• Have an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

• a robust education assistance program
• unparalleled retirement contributions
• a healthy work/life balance
• bonuses or other forms of compensation
• sign-on bonus
• relocation benefits
• locality allowance
• discretionary payments for exceptional performance
• retirement plans
• paid time off
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short-term disability
• long‑term disability
• flexible spending accounts
• education assistance
• training and development

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually