Research Electrical Engineer I or II, MSD

Women In Science; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) in Blacksburg, VA seeks a Research Engineer II to build and integrate RF subsystems for cutting-edge national security research. You will fabricate hardware, lay out PCBs, and generate design drawings while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams in the Mission Systems Division.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, equipment testing, and documentation. Requires U.S.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required due to sponsor and security requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Hands-on experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting RF hardware.
• Proficiency with field-specific tools for RF engineering.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to contribute to research projects.
• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• Physical ability to lift equipment and operate in lab/field environments.

Responsibilities

• Build, integrate, and test electrical and RF subsystems for research testbeds.
• Support RF hardware development, design drawings, and PCB layout for researchers.
• Contribute to new funded research programs through collaboration on proposals.
• Author technical documentation including drawings and test reports.

Skills

RF hardware prototyping

PCB design/layout

Schematic capture

RF testing

Subsystem integration

Embedded systems

Python/MATLAB scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

KiCad

Eagle

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Posted: August 27, 2026
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) was formed in 2021 with the aspiration to become the nation’s preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development to advance national security. The Institute grew from the Hume Center, which was launched in 2010 thanks to an endowment from Ted and Karyn Hume.

VTNSI is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique research infrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development.

This is a research and development position based in Blacksburg, Virginia, and is part of the Institute’s Mission Systems Division (MSD). MSD brings together researchers from aerospace and ocean systems engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, computer science, AI/ML, and other fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges in platforms including satellites, UAVs, UUVs, and drone swarms. This position is for a hands-on electrical engineer who will build and integrate the electrical and RF subsystems that enable the division’s research testbeds. The successful candidate will spend much of their time in the laboratory and in the field: fabricating and assembling hardware, building cables and harnesses, laying out and populating printed circuit boards, producing design drawings, and standing up and maintaining test infrastructure. The candidate will also serve as a hands-on resource for senior researchers across the division who are developing RF hardware, design drawings, and PCB layout. The successful candidate can expect a competitive salary and benefits in a university setting.

This role will primarily support the Counter-UAS Test and Research Center and the Space Domain Awareness portfolios.

Successful applicants will have an interest in and some exposure to areas such as:

• Electrical and RF hardware prototyping: Assembly and soldering (through-hole and surface-mount), cable and harness fabrication, and integration of components into chassis and enclosures.
• PCB design and layout: Schematic capture and board layout using tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, or Eagle, and working with fabrication and assembly vendors.
• Design drawings and documentation: Creating and maintaining electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, interface control documents, and assembly drawings.
• RF measurements and testing: Proficiency with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes, performing measurements like VSWR, return loss, S-parameters, power, and noise figure.
• Subsystem integration and test: Integrating COTS and custom hardware, including radios, power systems, sensors, and embedded computers, into testbeds, and troubleshooting at the component, board, and system levels.
• Embedded and cyber physical systems: Familiarity with microcontrollers, single-board computers, and common hardware interfaces such as serial, Ethernet, SPI/I2C, and CAN.
• Test automation and scripting: Use of Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for instrument control, data collection, and analysis.
• Laboratory practices: ESD-safe handling, equipment calibration, electrical and RF safety, and configuration management of hardware and laboratory assets.

Specific Responsibilities For This Position Include The Following

• Build, integrate, and test electrical and RF subsystems that enable research testbeds in support of university-sponsored programs;
• Support researchers across the division with hands-on RF hardware development, design drawings, and PCB layout;
• Support the development of new funded research programs by participating in proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division;
• Author technical documentation including design drawings, test procedures, and test reports.

In Addition, Research Engineer II Candidates Will

• Provide guidance to junior engineers/developers and students on research projects
• Provide oversight of junior engineers/developers

Required Qualifications

• Given the nature of the research conducted and requirements from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Hands-on experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware.
• Proficiency with the tools germane to the field of research.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an adjacent engineering discipline.
• Ability to lift and move 25 pounds or mor of equipment; ability to climb, stoop, bend, squat and traverse on uneven terrain.

In Addition, For Research Engineer II

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an adjacent engineering discipline, or Bachelor's degree and significant post-degree experience and relevant certifications
• Experience designing, fabricating, integrating, and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware.
• Proficiency with the tools germane to the field of research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance
• Experience integrating building hardware
• Experience with electrical and RF design and simulation tools (e.g. Altium Designer, KiCad, MATLAB, HFSS, CST Microwave Studio.)
• Experience supporting laboratory or field test campaigns for aerospace, maritime, or wireless systems