Research Electrical Engineer I or II, MSD

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Research Engineer II for the Mission Systems Division in Blacksburg, VA. The role focuses on building and integrating electrical and RF subsystems to support university-sponsored programs and advanced testbeds.

The candidate will work closely with senior researchers, fabricate hardware, and perform RF measurements, while contributing to design drawings and test documentation. A security clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
• Ability to lift/move equipment and work in laboratory and field environments.

Responsibilities

• Build, integrate, and test electrical and RF subsystems for research testbeds.
• Support RF hardware development, PCB layout, and design drawings for researchers.
• Contribute to proposal teams and business development for Mission Systems Division.
• Author technical documentation including design drawings, test procedures and reports.

Skills

Hands-on RF hardware

Electrical hardware

Team collaboration

Laboratory practices

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

KiCad

Eagle

Job description

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

All candidates must meet the following requirements:

• 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

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Between $80,000 - $100,000, depending on level and commensurate experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

September 14, 2026

Additional Information

This recruitment is expected to fill multiple positions. Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Alex Tuuri at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.