Entry Level RF Engineer

Draper; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 62,500 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper, a nonprofit research and development company in Boston, is seeking an RF and Communications Engineer 1 to contribute to innovative solutions in radiofrequency systems. This position involves analyzing RF systems, working collaboratively with engineers, and providing valuable technical insights.

Applicants should have an electrical engineering degree and entry-level experience in RF or Communications Engineering. Competitive salary ranges from $62,500 to $140,000, commensurate with experience, plus commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Qualifications

• Entry level knowledge and usage of commercially available RF and Communications software tools.
• Requires bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Requires 0–3 years of experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and model RF and Communications systems.
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex RF systems.
• Use laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting.
• Contribute content for technical reports and presentations.
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work.

Skills

Entry level knowledge of RF and Communications software tools

Knowledge of RF systems and architectures

Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals

Strong problem solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Management and organizational skills

Ability to work in collaborative environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description Summary

The RF and Communications Engineer 1 contributes to the design, development, and testing of radio frequency (RF) and Communications systems. This engineer is expected to demonstrate strong understanding of at least one area of interest in RF and Communications and has the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex RF or Communications problems. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary groups, including software, hardware, and material engineering.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Analyzes or models RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.
• Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems.
• Uses standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Identifies challenges associated with assigned work and communicates them to project leadership.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Entry level knowledge and usage of commercially available RF and Communications software tools.
• Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of electrical engineering.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent management and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in highly collaborative team environments.

Education

Requires bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.

Experience

Requires 0–3 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description

• Hands‑on experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:
• RF system‑on‑chip (RFSoC) platforms
• FPGA development and digital signal processing implementation
• Beamforming integrated circuits and phased‑array systems
• Software‑defined radio (SDR) platforms and wireless communication systems
• Exposure to advanced RF and communication system through coursework, research, internships, or personal projects.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563.

US base salary range for this full‑time position is $62,500.00 - $140,000.00.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high‑performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].