Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer, Signal Processing

Battelle; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compressed schedule

Hybrid work arrangement

Tuition assistance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Battelle in Columbus, Ohio seeks an RF Engineer specializing in Signal Processing to advance RF, communications and EW systems within the AMS portfolio. The role blends RF hardware design with DSP, supporting modeling, analysis, and optimization of RF signal chains in lab and field environments.

The selected candidate will work with SDR, phased arrays and beamforming, applying DSP techniques in MATLAB or Python, and will integrate RF front ends with software components while participating in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field with 5 years of experience.
• Strong foundation in digital signal processing (DSP) and RF systems.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for modeling and analysis, including DSP techniques and RF system integration.
• Ability to interpret and analyze real‑world RF data and system performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and analyze RF/microwave systems with emphasis on DSP and signal processing architectures.
• Model RF channels and system performance using MATLAB or Python.
• Develop DSP algorithms including filtering, modulation, waveform processing, detection, estimation, and spectral analysis.
• Support end‑to‑end signal chain design from antenna to processing.
• Validate designs through simulation, lab testing, and field experiments.

Skills

DSP fundamentals

RF systems

MATLAB

Python

Signal processing

Beamforming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SDR development

FPGA

Embedded DSP

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.

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking a Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer with specialization in Signal Processing to support advanced RF, communications, and electronic warfare (EW) systems within the Advanced Microsystems Solutions (AMS) portfolio. This role blends RF hardware/system design with digital signal processing (DSP), supporting the development, modeling, analysis, and optimization of RF signal chains in both laboratory and field environments. The ideal candidate brings strong theoretical grounding in signal processing along with experience applying those concepts to real‑world RF systems. This position is based in Columbus, Ohio and will support programs such as phased array systems, software‑defined radios (SDR), and EW platforms.

Responsibilities

RF System & Signal Processing Development

• Design, develop, and analyze RF/microwave systems with emphasis on signal processing algorithms and architectures.
• Model RF channels, propagation effects, and system performance using tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Develop and implement DSP algorithms including:
  • Filtering, modulation/demodulation, and waveform processing.
  • Detection, estimation, and classification techniques.
  • Spectral analysis and signal extraction in noisy environments.
• Support end‑to‑end signal chain design (antenna → RF front end → IF/baseband → processing).

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis

• Develop system‑level models to evaluate signal‑to‑noise ratio (SNR), interference, and performance trade‑offs.
• Perform simulation and analysis for:
  • Phased array systems and beamforming.
  • Direction finding (DF) and geolocation.
  • Electronic beam steering and adaptive systems.
• Validate designs through simulation, lab testing, and field experimentation.

Integration, Test & Validation

• Support integration of RF hardware with DSP and software components.
• Analyze collected RF data to assess system performance and identify issues.
• Collaborate on test planning, execution, and results analysis.
• Interface with test engineers to refine measurement strategies and validate models.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with RF hardware engineers (front‑end design, PCB, test), antenna engineers (array design, beamforming), and software/embedded teams (SDR, FPGA, system control).
• Contribute to system architecture, requirements development, and trade studies.
• Support proposal development, IRAD efforts, and technical documentation.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field and 5 years experience.
• Strong foundation in digital signal processing (DSP) and RF systems.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar for modeling and analysis, signal processing techniques such as filtering, FFTs, modulation schemes, etc., and RF system analysis and integration.
• Ability to interpret and analyze real‑world RF data and system performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Software‑Defined Radio (SDR) development, FPGA or embedded implementations of DSP algorithms, phased array systems, beamforming, or direction finding, and electronic warfare (EW), radar, or communications systems.
• Familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators), modeling RF propagation and interference environments, and data analysis pipelines for large RF datasets.

Benefits

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: 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.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: 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.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: 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.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

• 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.

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

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. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

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