Entry Level RF Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 62,500 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health and finance workshops

Job summary

Draper Labs in Cambridge, Massachusetts is seeking an RF and Communications Engineer 1 to design, develop, and test RF systems. This entry-level position requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and offers a salary range of $62,500 to $140,000.

Candidates will work in a collaborative environment on challenging problems in RF and communications, with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Requires 0-3 years of experience in RF or communications engineering.
• Strong understanding of RF and communications problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Analyze or model RF and communications systems.
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems.
• Use standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting.
• Contribute content for technical reports and presentations.
• Identify challenges and communicate them to project leadership.

Skills

Entry level knowledge of 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 to work in collaborative team environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

RFSoC platforms

FPGA development

Digital signal processing

Software-defined radio (SDR) platforms

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:

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, troubleshoot and solve complex RF or communications problems, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary groups including software, hardware, and material engineering.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Analyze or model RF and communications systems that solve challenging problems.
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems.
• Use standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting.
• Contribute content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership.
• Perform 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 a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.

Experience

Requires 0-3 years of experience in radio frequency or communications engineering or a 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 systems through coursework, research, internships, or personal projects

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

Job Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139-3563

Salary Range: $62,500.00 – $140,000.00 (U.S. base salary only; excludes bonuses and benefits).

Work‑life balance is a priority. Draper supports workplace flexibility, employee clubs, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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].