Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Lead

Battelle UK Limited; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Hybrid/remote options

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k) with match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Battelle is seeking an experienced RF Engineer Lead to advance RF, EW, and communications systems for U.S. Government and select commercial customers.

You will lead RF design, system integration, and validation across the full program lifecycle, from concept through field testing. The role requires strong expertise in RF system design, signal processing, and modeling tools, with the ability to mentor junior engineers and drive design reviews and risk assessments.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field and 10+ years of experience.
• Experience with RF systems, signal processing, and modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF/microwave systems across the signal chain.
• Lead or support integration of RF hardware, DSP, and embedded/software components.
• Develop and execute RF, EW, and communications test plans in lab and field environments.
• Build system-level models to evaluate RF performance and validate with data.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

RF system design

Signal processing

RF testing

Python

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Computer Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

HFSS

ADS

CST

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi‑national corporation, a small start‑up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Battelle's Advanced Microsystems Solutions - RF Spectrum portfolio delivers advanced Radio Frequency (RF), Electronic Warfare (EW), and communications systems for U.S. Government and select commercial customers – spanning concept development, capture, system design, integration, test, and operational transition.

As a Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Lead you will support the development of advanced RF, communications, sensing, and electronic warfare (EW) systems.

This role blends RF design, system integration, signal processing, and test execution while serving as a technical lead on projects or major workstreams. The RF Engineer Lead works independently to solve complex technical challenges, contributes to system architecture and design decisions, and provides guidance to less experienced engineers.

This position operates across the full program lifecycle—from concept development through integration, field test, and performance validation.

RF System Design & Signal Chain Development

• Design and develop RF/microwave systems, subsystems, and components across the signal chain (antenna → RF front end → processing)
• Perform RF system analysis, link budgeting, and performance modeling
• Apply DSP techniques (e.g., filtering, detection, waveform processing) to RF systems
• Contribute to architecture, trade studies, and design reviews

System Integration & Technical Execution

• Lead or support integration of RF hardware, DSP, and embedded/software components
• Plan and execute system‑level integration and validation activities
• Ensure alignment between system requirements, design implementation, and verification

Test, Measurement & Validation

• Develop and execute test plans for RF, EW, and communications systems in lab and field environments
• Analyze test data to evaluate performance, identify issues, and inform design improvements
• Utilize RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators)

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis

• Build system‑level models to evaluate RF performance (SNR, interference, propagation)
• Support simulation and analysis for phased arrays, beamforming, and RF propagation
• Validate models using lab and field data

Technical Leadership & Project Contributions

• Lead discrete technical efforts, workstreams, or small‑to‑mid scale projects
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior engineers
• Serve as a key contributor to design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decisions
• Support proposal writing, IRAD efforts, and customer deliverables

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate across RF design, systems engineering, antenna, software, and test teams
• Interface with program leadership, customers, and external partners
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in:
  • RF system design, integration, and analysis
  • Signal processing and modeling tools (MATLAB, Python, etc.)
  • RF lab/test equipment and measurement techniques
• Ability to independently solve complex problems and contribute to technical strategy
• Must be a US Citizen; willing to obtain and maintain DOD Top Secret clearance

Experience Requirements

• Experience with:
  • Electronic warfare (EW), radar, or communications systems
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) or FPGA‑based systems
  • Phased arrays, beamforming, or direction finding
  • RF modeling tools (HFSS, ADS, CST, etc.)
• Experience supporting DoD or government programs
• Active or eligible for DOD Secret clearance

Benefits

We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off‑giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers.