Principal, RF Engineering (Level 6) - iRF (ID: 1224)

The Narda Microwave Corporation; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Narda Microwave Corporation's iRF division seeks a Principal, RF Engineering (Level 6) in Sparks, MD. You will lead design of RF/microwave receivers and frequency converters for SIGINT, EW and radar applications, working to at least 18 GHz with SMT on PCB substrates.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of related experience or a graduate degree with 10+ years, hands‑on PCB RF/MW design, and ability to obtain security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of RF/microwave circuit design experience, or graduate degree with 10+ years.
• Hands‑on PCB‑based RF/MW design to 18 GHz for receivers and frequency converters.
• Experience in mmW, wideband, and high‑dynamic‑range receiver design is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF/MW design contributor and project lead on key initiatives.
• Present technical reviews to customers to support design decisions.
• Support BD activities with white papers and technical proposals.

Skills

RF design

MW design

PCB design

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in RF/microwave

Tools

Keysight Genesys

OrCad

MATLAB

PSPICE

Job description

Principal, RF Engineering (Level 6) - iRF

Sparks, MD
2026-08-13

Salary Range: $170,000 - $190,000 a year

Requisition ID: 1224

iRF - Intelligent RF Solutions is a leader in providing tailored solutions for SIGINT and Electronic Warfare (EW) missions. We understand our customers’ challenges and use our expertise to create solutions. We are not just a supplier, but a problem‑solving partner with a strong foundation in supporting global defense and intelligence missions.

We are dedicated to attracting high‑achieving individuals. Our team members are bound by a common purpose - commitment to our customers’ missions. Our culture is anchored in our steadfast values, our collaborative spirit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all essential functions, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties at any time.

Job Description:

• Provide technical expertise in the design and development of state‑of‑the‑art, RF/microwave receivers, frequency‑converters and related products for SIGINT, EW and radar applications.
• This position requires experience in design of RF/MW circuitry through at least 18GHz using SMT components on PCB substrates.
• The successful candidate must have experience performing top‑level requirements analysis and design of system architecture, allocating functional requirements for sub‑assemblies.

Essential Functions:

• Individual RF/MW design contributor and lead engineer for key design projects.
• Make technical presentations to customers to support design review requirements.
• Will provide technical support for Business Development activities including white papers and technical proposals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum 12 years related experience in the area of RF/microwave circuit design, or a Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years related experience.
• Hands‑on design experience in PCB‑based design of RF/MW circuitry supporting receivers and frequency converters to 18 GHz and beyond.
• Wide bandwidth, high dynamic range, super‑het receiver design experience is desired. Additionally, experience in mmW frequency range design, wideband digitization, and low SWaP design is helpful.
• Well‑versed in receiver/frequency converter system design, including frequency planning and spur analysis, RF/MW filter technologies, cascade GNIP analysis, MW mixers, frequency generation using PLL ICs, and design trade‑offs.
• An individual with a high degree of technical competence and good interpersonal skills will provide individual technical contributions as well as technical leadership and guidance to other project team engineers.
• Must possess leadership qualities and be able to work well with and lead a diverse group of engineering disciplines.
• Candidate should be familiar with computer design tools including Keysight Genesys, OrCad, MATLAB, PSPICE, or other tools.
• Must have the ability to obtain security clearance.
• Must be able to pass a preemployment drug screening and background check.

Salary Range: $170,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year.

Location: Onsite in Sparks, MD with a 9/80 schedule. Every other Friday OFF.

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.

iRF is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Disability/Veterans Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and fairness.

Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. All qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. iRF complies with applicable Executive Orders, including affirmative action requirements for individuals with disabilities and veterans. iRF is a drug‑free workplace and conducts pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, as permitted by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation to use or access the iRF career website due to your disability, you have the right to request such a accommodation. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Denise Nocerino at [e-mail].

Proof of employment authorization will be required. iRF is not required to sponsor applicants for work visas. As this position will require access to export‑controlled information, only applications from “U.S. persons” within the meaning of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Export Administration Regulations will be considered. iRF is not required to seek export license for applicants who do not meet this requirement.

Narda‑MITEQ uses this website as a channel of distribution of material company information.

Catalog specifications subject to change without notice.

This web site consists of Narda‑MITEQ general capabilities information that does not contain controlled technical data as defined within the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) Part 120.10 or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Part 734.7-11.