High Power RF Design Engineer 10+ Years of Experience

UrsaNav®; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of RF Transmitter systems is seeking a High Power RF Design Engineer with over 10 years of experience. The role involves designing antennas, specifying multi-kW RF transmitters, and overseeing the RF broadcast system's performance. Candidates should have a strong background in RF systems and antenna design, with proficiency in relevant software tools. This position requires hands-on involvement during installation and commissioning phases, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in RF broadcast systems development.
• Proficiency in antenna design and simulation software.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high power antennas.
• Supervise installation and commissioning of RF broadcast systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols for high-power RF systems.

Skills

Antenna Design

RF Propagation

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

NEC-4

MATLAB

Ansys

CST

Job description

High Power RF Design Engineer 10+ Years of Experience

High Power RF Design Engineer 10+ Years of Experience

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Company:UrsaNav, LLC
Location:Billerica, MA
About the Company:

UrsaNav is an innovative provider of RF Transmitter systems and equipment for a variety of applications including Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). We design and manufacture cutting-edge PNT equipment that is trusted by customers around the world.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a hands-on High Power RF Engineer with at least 10 years of experience in the development of RF broadcast systems to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in designing antennas, specifying multi-kW RF transmitters and working with associated equipment primarily in the HF frequency range, but possibly in the MF or LF frequency bands. You will be responsible for identifying ancillary equipment as well optimizing the full RF broadcast chain, ensuring performance, reliability, and efficiency. On-site work will be required during planning as well as commissioning and site acceptance testing.

Experience with antenna design software (such as NEC-4), RF propagation modeling (VOACAP), and system-level design will be essential to the success of the project. The role will be the technical lead and subject matter expert conducting system budget analysis and the specification of key components, including antenna tuners, to achieve optimal matching with transmitter equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management or Supervision:

Oversee one or more people or contractors/vendors for assigned projects or tasks.

Support Program or Project Management in their efforts to maintain cost and schedule.

• Antenna Design & Development:

Design, develop, and optimize high power antennas, and associated matching/combining networks, for broadcast systems within the 3-30 MHz frequency range, using software such as NEC-4 or CST for antenna simulations.

Work closely with suppliers to specify customer antennas or modify existing designs.

• RF Transmitter & System Specification:

Design and specify multi-kW RF transmitters and related equipment to be integrated into the overall broadcast system.

Work with vendors to select and procure transmitters, amplifiers, and other RF components, ensuring they meet operational requirements.

Ensure compatibility between high-power RF equipment and antenna systems, focusing on optimal performance, system longevity and zero down time.

Oversee the full system design, ensuring each component works cohesively, and work on system budget analysis to ensure cost-effective solutions are implemented.

• RF Propagation & Modeling:

Use RF propagation models and tools (e.g., VOACAP) to predict and optimize signal coverage for broadcast systems, accounting for environmental factors and geographical considerations.

Perform system-level simulations to assess the overall performance of RF systems and fine-tune designs for maximum efficiency.

• Installation & Commissioning:

Supervise the installation, calibration, and commissioning of RF broadcast systems, including transmit and receive antennas, transmit and reception equipment, and associated ancillary equipment (e.g., UPS, HVAC), ensuring they meet performance benchmarks.

Provide hands-on support during the installation phase to troubleshoot and resolve any issues.

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

Support routine (preventive) and casualty (corrective) assistance and maintenance and troubleshooting on existing RF systems, ensuring continued performance and system reliability on an as needed basis.

Provide technical support to resolve complex issues related to RF propagation, antenna performance, and transmission and reception site behavior.

• Safety & Compliance:

Ensure that all designs, installations, and operations comply with relevant industry standards, including safety protocols for high-power RF systems.

Stay up-to-date on regulatory requirements and ensure all systems meet the necessary certifications.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).

Experience:

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in RF broadcast systems development (specifically shortwave), with a focus on antenna design and RF transmission systems.
• Extensive experience designing shortwave antennas and specifying high-power RF equipment (multi-kW transmitters) for the 3-30 MHz frequency range.
• Proficiency in antenna design and simulation software, especially NEC-4, Ansys, CST or similar tools.
• Strong understanding of RF propagation and experience in RF system modeling for shortwave communications.
• Strong background in RF system integration and related systems such as AM or FM broadcast systems.
• Experience with RF testing equipment, such as spectrum analyzers, power meters, and network analyzers.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex RF system issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and explain technical concepts clearly.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or related engineering tools.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift and carry equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work in various environments, including outdoor or remote locations, and at heights when necessary.
• When necessary, able to work extended hours, weekends, and/or holidays as required by project timelines or system maintenance needs.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing

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