Hybrid Lead RF Architect – Phased-Array & Radar Systems

FIRST RF; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four weeks PTO

Hybrid work

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) match up to 6%

Health, dental, and vision

Job summary

FIRST RF is seeking an experienced Principal RF Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of advanced RF and microwave systems. You will work with multidisciplinary teams and customers to take solutions from concept to production, mentoring engineers along the way.

The role emphasizes systems thinking, collaboration with RF, antenna, digital, embedded software, and mechanical teams, and the ability to drive design reviews, risk reduction, and strategic technology

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or closely related field.
• Experience analyzing and integrating RF devices and networks.
• Experience with antenna design, testing, and modeling.
• Experience using electromagnetic simulation tools (HFSS, FEKO, CST, Microwave Office).
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for analysis and automation.
• Experience using RF lab equipment (vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers).
• Strong communication skills with engineers, executives, and customers.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead across an organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for complex RF and microwave system development.
• Lead design, analysis, integration, and verification of advanced RF hardware.
• Develop innovative solutions and guide projects from proposal to delivery.
• Interface with customers presenting technical approaches and program status.
• Provide leadership for multiple projects ensuring cost, schedule, performance targets.
• Lead discussions with government, commercial, and subcontractor partners.
• Mentor engineers through design reviews and technical guidance.
• Establish engineering best practices and standards.
• Conduct design reviews and independent technical assessments to reduce risk.
• Support business development with white papers, proposals, and roadmaps.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Customer communication

Problem solving

Systems thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (RF/EM)

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (RF/EM)

Tools

HFSS

FEKO

CST Studio Suite

Microwave Office

Altium Designer

Vector Network Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Power Meters

Signal Generators

Job description

FIRST RF is seeking an experienced Principal RF Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of advanced RF and microwave systems. You will work with multidisciplinary teams and customers to take solutions from concept to production, mentoring engineers along the way.

The role emphasizes systems thinking, collaboration with RF, antenna, digital, embedded software, and mechanical teams, and the ability to drive design reviews, risk reduction, and strategic technology