Lead, RF Engineer (Palm Bay, FL)

Harris Geospatial Solutions; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, FL seeks an experienced RF Hardware Design Engineer to design, simulate, and implement RF circuits for space‑to‑ground communications. Lead schematic design, PCB layout reviews, and RF characterization with a focus on radiation tolerance and high‑frequency performance.

You will collaborate with systems engineering, digital hardware, firmware, antenna engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and mission readiness.

Qualifications

• Design and implement RF circuits for space‑to‑ground links.
• Develop system‑level RF architectures for space applications.
• Lead schematic design and PCB reviews with radiation tolerance in mind.
• Perform RF characterization using lab equipment for first article deployment.
• Ensure environmental, thermal and radiation‑effects considerations are addressed.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and drive design improvements.
• Provide mentorship to engineers and document verification artifacts.
• Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and implement RF circuits and subsystems including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, and transceiver modules for space‑to‑ground communication links.
• Develop and refine system‑level RF architectures meeting environmental, performance, and reliability requirements for space applications.
• Lead schematic design, RF component selection, and PCB layout review focusing on radiation tolerance and high‑frequency signal integrity.
• Perform hardware bring‑up, tuning, and RF characterization using lab equipment for first article deployment.
• Support environmental, thermal, and radiation‑effects considerations as part of design verification for space systems.
• Work with systems engineering, digital hardware, firmware, antenna engineering, and manufacturing teams for seamless integration.
• Troubleshoot RF issues, perform root‑cause analysis, and propose design improvements to enhance reliability.
• Create detailed documentation including requirements, design reports, test procedures, and verification artifacts.
• Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance.

Skills

RF design

RF engineering

Schematic design

PCB layout

RF tuning

RF characterization

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Graduate Engineering degree

Tools

ADS

AWR Microwave Office

HFSS

Altium

Cadence Allegro

VNA

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, RF Engineer

Job Code: 44388

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking a highly driven RF Hardware Design Engineer to support the design and development of advanced RF solutions for space‑to‑ground communication systems. In this role, you will contribute to mission‑critical hardware used in resilient, high‑reliability space platforms that enable secure connectivity for our customers. You will be part of a collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation, rapid development, and precision execution.

Essential Functions:

• Design, simulate, and implement RF circuits and subsystems including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, and transceiver modules for space‑to‑ground communication links.
• Develop and refine system‑level RF architectures that meet demanding environmental, performance, and reliability requirements for space applications.
• Lead schematic design, RF component selection, and PCB layout review with a focus on radiation tolerance, thermal performance, and high‑frequency signal integrity.
• Perform hardware bring‑up, tuning, and RF characterization using advanced lab equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.) for first article deployment
• Support environmental, thermal, and radiation‑effects considerations as part of design verification for space systems.
• Work closely with systems engineering, digital hardware, firmware, antenna engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient production.
• Troubleshoot complex RF issues, execute root‑cause analysis, and propose design improvements to enhance reliability and mission readiness.
• Create detailed technical documentation including requirements, design reports, test procedures, and verification artifacts consistent with L3Harris engineering standards.
• Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience designing for a space environment.
• Hold a current security Clearance or the ability to obtain a security clearance
• Knowledge of space communication standards, high‑frequency payload architectures, or ground‑segment RF equipment.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification standards (MIL‑STD, NASA, ESA, or similar)
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, linearity, gain, noise figure, phase noise, and EMI/EMC.
• Experience with PCB design tools (Altium, Cadence Allegro, or similar).
• Experience in high‑volume or mission‑critical manufacturing environments
• Experience leading teams and project designs
• Trade study execution and ownership
• Problem-solving skills with ability to proactively identify alternate solutions to overcome difficult technical challenges.
• Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Provide mentorship to early career engineers

#Li‑DK2

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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