Radio Frequency (RF) Systems Engineer

Battelle Memorial Institute; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio is looking for a Systems Engineer specializing in Radio Frequency (RF) systems to support advanced communications and electronic warfare projects. This role is responsible for the complete lifecycle of RF system architecture, design, integration, and testing.

The ideal candidate will have experience in RF systems engineering, a relevant engineering degree, and the ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance. The position offers a flexible work schedule and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant experience in RF systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of RF system design and integration methods.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop RF system architectures.
• Ensure system designs are scalable and maintainable.
• Plan and execute system integration activities.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Systems integration

Requirements management

Test automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking a Systems Engineer with a specialization in Radio Frequency (RF) systems to support the development of advanced communications, electronic warfare (EW), and sensing systems within the Advanced Microsystems Solutions (AMS) portfolio.

This role is responsible for RF system architecture, design, integration, testing, and lifecycle support, with a strong emphasis on systems engineering rigor, test automation, and requirements management. The position will work across the full system lifecycle—from concept and requirements through design, integration, validation, and sustainment.

This position is based in Columbus, Ohio and supports complex RF‑centric programs including phased array, SDR, and EW‑based systems.

Responsibilities

RF Systems Architecture & Design

• Define and develop end‑to‑end RF system architectures, including antennas and apertures, RF front‑end components (Tx/Rx chains), IF/baseband and processing interfaces.
• Perform system‑level trade studies to optimize performance, cost, and risk.
• Translate mission and customer needs into technical system architectures and design solutions.
• Contribute to system design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and technical baselines.

System Design, Development & Implementation

• Lead or support design and development of complex RF systems across the lifecycle.
• Ensure system designs are scalable, testable, maintainable, and aligned with requirements.
• Support implementation of system‑level functionality, including hardware/software integration points.
• Drive model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) or structured system engineering methodologies.

System Integration & Testing

• Plan and execute system integration activities across RF subsystems and components.
• Develop and support integration strategies, verification plans, and validation approaches.
• Lead or support laboratory integration, field testing and evaluation, and system‑level performance validation.
• Collaborate with RF, test, and software engineers to ensure end‑to‑end system functionality.

Test Automation & Data Analysis

• Develop and implement automated test frameworks and procedures for RF system validation.
• Analyze system performance data to identify issues and failure modes, validate system requirements, and inform design improvements.
• Support test instrumentation strategy and integration with system‑level architectures.

Requirements Management

• Capture, define, and maintain system‑level requirements and traceability.
• Flow down requirements to subsystem and component levels.
• Ensure alignment of requirements, design implementation, and verification and validation.
• Support use of requirements tools and frameworks (e.g., DOORS, Cameo, or equivalents).

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks across RF system programs.
• Conduct risk analyses, trade studies, and contingency planning.
• Proactively address integration, performance, and schedule risks.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with RF engineers and designers, antenna engineers, software/embedded teams, test and integration teams.
• Support proposal efforts, IRAD initiatives, and technical documentation.
• Serve as a technical liaison between engineering teams, program leadership, and customers.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field and 5+ years relevant experience.
• Experience in RF systems engineering, integration, or architecture.
• Strong understanding of RF system design and signal flow, system integration and test methodologies, and requirements management and systems engineering processes.
• Ability to work across multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
• U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, phased array or beamforming systems, Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, and model‑based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Familiarity with RF test equipment and lab environments, test automation tools and frameworks, MATLAB, Python, or similar for modeling and analysis.
• Experience supporting system lifecycle activities (concept → deployment → sustainment).
• Holds an active DoD Top Secret clearance.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

• 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

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.

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).

Equal Opportunity

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