Radio Frequency Engineer Sr Stf - Level 5 (Secret)

Lockheed Martin; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 185,000 - 344,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Space in Bethesda, MD seeks a Sr Staff RF Engineer to provide architectural guidance for RF systems in the Ground segment, shaping design, integration and test for space infrastructure. The role demands strong RF domain knowledge and collaboration across teams to deliver secure, high-performance solutions.

Applicants should have hands-on experience with RF gateway equipment, satellite ground systems, and hold a Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience with RF gateway equipment (X/Ka/UHF bands), SSPAs, frequency converters, test equipment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Detailed knowledge of systems engineering processes with experience in requirements, CONOPS, ICD, or architecture.
• Prior experience with satellite ground systems design, development, integration, and test.
• A Secret clearance is required prior to start (U.S. citizen).

Responsibilities

• Provide architectural guidance and strategic direction for RF systems and subsystems for the Ground segment.
• Support integration, test, and delivery of the Ground segment.
• Design RF circuitry for high frequency and microwave applications, including antennas and transceivers.
• Develop RF system architectures and perform trade studies and TPMs.
• Support lifecycle costs, reliability, availability, and maintainability analyses.

Skills

RF systems expertise

Communication skills

Systems engineering

US citizenship

Tools

Test equipment

SSPAs

Frequency converters

Job description

Standard Job Description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future. At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We're creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security vision. We're erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We're advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we're reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity. Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.

• This position is contingent upon program award with an expected 4th Quarter 2026 start date ***

Lockheed Martin is designing, developing, and delivering a next-gen wideband MILSATCOM system comprised of integrated space and ground segments that will provide enhanced communications capacity, flexibility and resiliency.

The selected candidate will support the Ground segment of the program as a Sr Staff RF Engineer will serve as a recognized subject matter expert by providing architectural guidance and strategic direction for RF systems and subsystems contributing to the successful integration, test and delivery of the Ground segment. Prior experience as a RF and/or Systems Engineer with extensive domain knowledge of RF/ground systems, networks, and product integration & test is required.

Architects and designs Radio Frequency systems and circuitry. Designs and develops RF circuitry used in high frequency and microwave applications, including receivers, transmitters, antennas, and frequency synthesizers. Responsible for hardware layout, component evaluation, prototype construction, and test. Prepares test methods and specifications; analyzes and tests RF hardware to verify performance characteristics. Provides inputs to Product Development for formal documentation and supports manufacturing during the deliverable assembly and test phase. In addition, develops RF System/Subsystem Architectures consisting of: antennas, transmitters, receivers, low noise amplifiers, high power amplifiers, RF conversion elements and transmission line equipment. Performs link analysis and optimization, including effects of propagation medium and possible interference sources. Develops and allocates RF system and subsystem functional and performance requirements. Identifies and tracks RF technical performance measurements (TPMs). Performs RF system/subsystem/component trade studies and CAIV analysis. Supports Life Cycle Costs, reliability, availability, and maintainability analysis.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience with RF Gateway equipment (X/Ka/UHF bands required), SSPAs, frequency converters, test equipment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of systems engineering process and experience with at least one of: Requirements, CONOPS, ICD, or Architecture
• Prior experience with satellite ground systems design, development, integration, and test
• A Secret clearance is required prior to start (Must be a US citizen).

Desired Skills

• Significant relevant experience in the defense electronics industry, including architecture development for RF systems.
• Expertise with datalink or T/R module architecture
• Expertise with RF subsystems and hardware including antennas, transmitters, receivers, microwave components, low noise amplifiers, high power amplifiers, advanced electronic modules, amplifiers, mixers, switches, frequency generation circuits, and frequency conversion circuits.
• Extensive experience with troubleshooting designs and resolving integration issues for RF applications.
• Expertise with technical documentation such as specifications, schematic drawings, and test data.
• Experience with customer interface including technical presentations.
• Experience supporting Systems Engineering technical performance objectives and deliverables (e.g. SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with technical teams across virtual environments
• Active Secret clearance or higher
• Support occasional business travel (up to 25%)
• Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice

Pay Information

GeoZone Definition: GeoZones are geographic groupings created by Lockheed Martin to align compensation ranges with regional labor markets and cost-of-labor differences across the United States. Locations are assigned a Geo Zone based on the primary work location of the role.

• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 1): $185400.00 - $344400.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Sunnyvale CA; Pal Alto, CA; New York City metropolitan area; Newark, New Jersey; etc.
• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 2): $166900.00 - $309900.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Denver, CO; King of Prussia, PA; Stratford, CT; Moorestown, NJ; etc.
• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 3): $148300.00 - $275500.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Orlando, FL; Grand Prairie, TX; Marietta, GA; etc.
• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 4): $133500.00 - $247900.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Camden, AR; Lexington, KY; Lufkin, TX; etc.

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow - both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.

Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.