Hardware Engineer 1 (Travel Required) - RF

Captivation; Maryland; On-site; USD 130,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Salary: $130,000 - $270,000

Up to 20% 401k contribution

6 Weeks Paid Time Off

Company Paid Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Job summary

Captivation seeks a mid-level hardware engineer in Maryland to design, install, and test various RF systems, particularly for SATCOM applications. Candidates must have a relevant bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of experience with a current Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

The role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams, along with travel of up to 15% worldwide. The position offers a competitive salary and robust benefits including paid time off and health coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Seven years of experience analyzing complex hardware systems for SIGINT solutions.
• Current U.S. Government security clearance (Top Secret/SCI).

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and test RF/SATCOM hardware across various frequency bands.
• Conduct site surveys and troubleshoot RF systems.
• Produce technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Travel up to 15% worldwide for installations and maintenance.

Skills

RF Design

Troubleshooting

Technical Communication

Team Leadership

Preventive Maintenance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Keysight PNA-X

FieldFox

Signal Generators

AutoCAD

Visio

Job description

Build to something to be proud of.

Captivation has built a reputation on providing customers exactly what is needed in a timely manner. Our team of engineers take pride in what they develop and constantly innovate to provide the best solution. Captivation is looking for software developers who can get stuff done while making a difference in support of the mission to protect our country.

Description

Captivation Software is looking for a mid level hardware engineer who will be responsible for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, with a focus on SATCOM components and devices operating in various frequency bands, including but not limited to C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band. The successful candidate will be working on complex RF system design, installation, and test, and will be required to travel up to 15% worldwide. The RF Design Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our RF systems, from design to deployment, and will work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure systems meet user requirements.

Responsibilities

• RF Design and Design, install, and test RF/SATCOM hardware (C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, Q/V‑band) while accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain‑fade, and polarization‑mismatch effects.
• Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, rack and align hardware, and operate earth‑terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide‑band and satellite communication links.
• Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot on‑the‑spot malfunctions; apply anti‑jamming techniques and enforce safety/maintenance procedures.
• Use Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S‑parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase‑noise, group‑delay, and perform non‑linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).
• Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and technical design packages.
• Prepare engineering plans, as‑built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records; coordinate with cross‑functional teams (system architects, PMs, test sites).
• Travel up‑to15% worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or austere environments.
• Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
• Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.
• Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
• Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
• Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware.
• Knowledgeable of RF design, installation, and test, with a focus on SATCOM systems.

Requirements

Security Clearance:

• Must currently hold a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government security clearance with a favorable Polygraph, therefore all candidates must be a U.S. citizen.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required.
• Seven (7) years experience as a HE analyzing complex hardware systems for SIGINT solutions.
• Five (5) years of additional hardware engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

This position is open for direct hires only. We will not consider candidates from third party staffing/recruiting firms.

Benefits

• Annual Salary: $130,000 - $270,000 (Depends on the Years of Experience).
• Up to 20% 401k contribution (No Matching Required and Vested from Day 1).
• Above Market Hourly Rates.
• $3,600 HSA Contribution.
• 6 Weeks Paid Time Off.
• Company Paid Employee Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/Life Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D.