Principal RF Engineer

FIRST RF Corporation; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four weeks PTO

Hybrid work

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) match

Health, dental, and vision plans

Job summary

FIRST RF Corporation is seeking a Principal RF Engineer to provide technical leadership across advanced RF and microwave systems. You will guide cross-disciplinary teams, mentor engineers, and partner with customers to translate concepts into production-ready solutions for government and commercial programs.

The role requires deep RF/microwave expertise, strong systems thinking, and the ability to drive proposals through delivery, while maintaining high technical and programmatic standards.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field
• Experience integrating RF devices and networks including amplifiers, filters, and phase shifters
• Experience with antenna design, testing, and modeling
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and mentoring engineers
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for analysis and automation

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development for complex RF/microwave systems
• Interface with customers and present technical proposals
• Mentor engineers across experience levels
• Develop design reviews and independent technical assessments
• Support business development with white papers and proposals
• Foster collaboration across RF, antenna, digital, and mechanical teams

Skills

Technical leadership

RF engineering

Microwave systems

Customer liaison

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

HFSS

FEKO

CST Studio Suite

Microwave Office

Altium Designer

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. In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert, lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, and partner directly with customers to develop innovative solutions from concept through production. You will contribute across FIRST RF's four technology divisions, developing next-generation phased-array systems, millimeter-wave antennas, advanced signal detection technologies, radar systems, and other cutting-edge RF solutions for government and commercial customers. This position requires exceptional technical depth, systems thinking, and the ability to mentor engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the technical lead for complex RF and microwave system development effortsLead the design, analysis, integration, and verification of advanced RF hardware and systemsDevelop innovative solutions for challenging customer problems and guide projects from proposal through product deliveryInterface directly with customers, presenting technical approaches, design reviews, and program statusProvide technical leadership for multiple projects while ensuring successful execution of cost, schedule, and performance objectivesLead technical discussions with government, commercial, and subcontractor partnersMentor and develop engineers across all experience levels through design reviews, and technical guidanceEstablish engineering best practices, design methodologies, and technical standardsConduct design reviews and provide independent technical assessments to reduce program riskSupport business development activities by contributing to white papers, technical proposals, customer briefings, and technology roadmapsEvaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic investments to expand FIRST RF's technical capabilitiesFoster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams including RF, antenna, digital, embedded software, and mechanical engineering

Qualifications Required Education and Experience

U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security ClearanceBachelors degree in electrical engineering or a closely related fieldExperience analyzing, and integrating RF devices and networks including amplifiers, filters, attenuators, phase shifters, mixers, frequency converters, and related componentsExperience with antenna design, characterization, testing, and modelingExperience using electromagnetic simulation tools including HFSS, FEKO, CST Studio Suite, Microwave Office, or similar softwareDemonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through successful project executionProficiency with technical programming languages such as MATLAB or Python for analysis, simulation, and automationExtensive experience using RF laboratory equipment including vector network analyzers, and spectrum analyzersOutstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with engineers, executives, and customers.Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across an organizationA passion for solving challenging technical problems with creativity, curiosity, and attention to detailComfortable working in laboratory and prototype development environmentsWillingness to rapidly iterate, learn from failures, and continuously improve designs

Preferred Education and Experience

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus in RF or Electromagnetics10+ years of professional experience in RF and microwave engineering with a demonstrated record of technical leadershipExtensive experience using RF laboratory equipment including signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power metersExperience with printed circuit board design, layout review, fabrication, assembly, and testExperience with phased-array antennas and beamformingExperience designing RF front ends for radar, electronic warfare, communications, or software-defined radio (SDR) systemsExperience with Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layoutExperience supporting proposal development, technology roadmaps, and customer capture activities

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Typical office hours include Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm; however, these hours may vary based on workload and the managers discretion.

Travel

About 10% travel is expected for this position.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. The employee will also regularly be seated at a desk and using a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About FIRST RF

FIRST RF is a fast-growing, multi-discipline, privately owned small business focused on engineering and manufacturing of advanced technologies specifically in antennas and radio frequency (RF) systems. We are an energetic team empowered with world-class facilities and resources. We promote a culture which prioritizes innovation and responsiveness. By making bold investments in the development of groundbreaking technologies, FIRST RF has fielded award-winning products ranging from revolutionary passive antennas to highly complex, active antenna systems.

Benefits Summary

We offer all employees four weeks of PTO each year, flexible scheduling, hybrid work, tuition reimbursement, up to 6% 401(k) match, and healthcare, dental, and vision plans.

AAP/EEO Statement

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, assignment, re-assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, and termination. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We support protected veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.