Navy RF Prototyping Lab Lead

Arcfield; Middletown (RI); On-site; USD 102,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcfield in Rhode Island seeks a Prototype & Production Lab Manager to run a specialized prototype and low-volume production lab for a U.S. Navy contract. You will manage daily operations, serve as SME bridging design and production, and perform hands-on fabrication, assembly, and RF testing.

The role requires strong mechanical, electrical/RF hands-on skills and producibility review of designs for ruggedized naval use. You will lead BOM oversight, tool maintenance, and safe lab operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or a highly technical lab management role.
• Mechanical & Material SME with knowledge of assembly, fabrication processes, and materials for ruggedized naval applications.
• TDP & BOM proficiency: read, interpret, and critique complex drawings, schematics and TDPs.
• Hands-on electrical: cable/harness building, routing, and precision soldering.
• RF expertise: strong understanding of RF principles and testing.
• Equipment mastery: proficient with a FieldFox analyzer for RF measurements.
• Navy/DoD familiarity: understanding deployment of RF systems on Navy platforms.
• Problem solver: bridge between engineering drawings and what can actually be built.
• Education levels: BS, MS, PhD requirements with security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage incoming work requests for prototype/production lab and prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Oversee BOM management and sourcing of components for prototypes and production builds.
• Maintain lab equipment, tools, and inventory for safe, efficient operations.
• Act as SME translating engineering drawings into manufacturing steps and assess producibility.
• Review technical data packages for design weaknesses and manufacturing hurdles.
• Provide feedback on tolerances, machining, and assembly feasibility.
• Perform mechanical assembly and prototype fabrication from schematics and drawings.
• Build and terminate custom electrical cables and wire harnesses to standards.
• Solder circuit boards, connectors, and internal wiring.
• Test RF components and systems, verify impedance matching and VSWR.

Skills

RF Expertise

Hands-on Electrical

TDP & BOM Proficiency

Mechanical & Material SME

Problem Solver

Security Clearance

Navy/DoD Familiarity

Active DoD Security Clearance

Education

BS degree

MS degree

PhD

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Arcfield in Rhode Island seeks a Prototype & Production Lab Manager to run a specialized prototype and low-volume production lab for a U.S. Navy contract. You will manage daily operations, serve as SME bridging design and production, and perform hands-on fabrication, assembly, and RF testing.

The role requires strong mechanical, electrical/RF hands-on skills and producibility review of designs for ruggedized naval use. You will lead BOM oversight, tool maintenance, and safe lab operations.