Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer - Electronic Warfare

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Education assistance

Training and development

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an RF Electronic Warfare Engineer to design, test, and evaluate ground‑based EW systems countering UAS and RCIED threats.

You will apply RF electronics and DSP techniques, support analyses with partners, and contribute to field and lab evaluations while collaborating in a multi‑disciplinary team. Security clearance eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• At least three years of software development experience in MATLAB, Python, C, or C++.
• Experience with RF test equipment and analog signal analysis concepts.
• Experience with DSP techniques and embedded processing is preferred.
• Ability to document and maintain code bases using Gitlab, Bitbucket, and Confluence.
• Strong verbal and written communication in a multifunctional team environment.

Responsibilities

• Apply RF electronics and communications knowledge to enhance EW systems against threats.
• Support development and technical analysis of current and next‑gen EW systems.
• Provide technical support during field and lab test events and evaluate data.
• Collaborate across teams following government standards for RF electronic systems.

Skills

RF electronics

MATLAB

Python

C

C++

DSP techniques

strong communication

travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Gitlab

Bitbucket

Confluence

Job description

Are you interested in learning to develop, build, and test complex RF systems? Are you passionate about working with RF hardware and software? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking an RF-focused engineer to support the design, test, and evaluation of ground-based electronic warfare (EW) systems to counter UAS (uncrewed aerial systems) and RCIED (radio‑controlled improvised explosive devices) threats to protect our warfighters and allies. We develop, integrate, and assess electronic countermeasures and their effectiveness in a high‑tech laboratory and on government over‑the‑air test ranges.

As an RF Electronic Warfare Engineer, you will…

• Apply your knowledge of RF electronics and communications technologies to enhance the performance of EW systems to counter UAS and RCIED threats.
• Assist Government and Industry partners in the development and technical analysis of current and next‑generation EW systems.
• Provide technical support during field and laboratory test and evaluation events.
• Perform data analysis in support of both pre‑test activities and post‑test reporting of EW capabilities in over‑the‑air performance assessments.
• Work with other team members in the application of systems engineering, test, and design consistent with government standards and practices for development, evaluation and sustainment of RF electronic systems.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or another relevant engineering or technical field.
• Have at least three years of relevant experience developing software in MATLAB, Python, C, or C++.
• Have experience with RF test equipment and analog signal analysis concepts.
• Have experience with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques.
• Have demonstrated the ability to document and maintain software code bases using tools such as: Gitlab, Bitbucket, and Confluence.
• Have demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to work in a multifunctional, collaborative team environment.
• Are willing to occasionally travel to off‑site facilities for integration and test events.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have…

• Performed frequency analysis and implemented signal processing algorithms on embedded hardware.
• Experience with: FPGAs, RF link modeling, and/or military and commercial communications systems.
• Experience with tactical Electronic Warfare systems used by the US military.
• Developed applications on embedded devices or software‑defined radios (SDRs).
• An active Secret security clearance or higher.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

Why Work at APL?

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Benefits

• robust education assistance program
• unparalleled retirement contributions
• healthy work/life balance
• retirement plans
• paid time off
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short‑term disability
• long‑term disability
• flexible spending accounts
• education assistance
• training and development

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually