RF Communications Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks an RF Communications Engineer to design and prototype communications architectures across hardware/firmware/software. You will develop FPGA firmware, perform real-time software tasks, model with MATLAB, and validate prototypes in tactical environments.

The role emphasizes multi-disciplinary collaboration, SWaP-C aware solutions, and reporting results to internal staff and sponsors.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in communications system design and digital signal processing.
• FPGA/firmware implementation experience for transceivers and link-level algorithms.
• Understanding of RF system design principles and test equipment usage.
• MATLAB or Python for algorithm development, modelling, and simulation.
• Strong FPGA firmware design with VHDL/Verilog, able to work in a team or independently.
• U.S. citizenship with Interim Secret clearance eligibility by start date.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and analyze systems/algorithms for resilient, secure communications networks.
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL) from concept through deployment.
• Contribute to MATLAB modelling and simulation activities.
• Validate performance of prototypes and tactical systems in operational scenarios.
• Create SWaP-C aware concepts for size/weight/cost constrained communications.
• Provide status updates and results in reports and presentations to sponsors.
• Support occasional field tests for hardware testing.

Skills

Systems design

DSP fundamentals

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Analytical modelling

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Computer Science

Master of Science in Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Computer Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

VHDL

Verilog

RF test equipment

Job description

Job Description

Would you be excited to build communications/networking architectures across hardware/firmware/software boundaries?

Are you interested in trying novel, creative, and risky approaches for communications systems to solve and overcome mission critical challenges?

Would you enjoy rapid prototyping of ideas on both novel and deployed RF hardware/systems?

We are seeking an RF Communications Engineer to contribute to communications system design, implementation, hardware test/evaluation, FPGA firmware, real-time embedded software, and more. As part of our team, you will make critical contributions to both new and legacy communications systems and work on a variety of projects in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Work with multi‑disciplinary teams in designing, implementing, and analyzing systems/algorithms for future resilient, secure, and adaptive communications networks operating in highly contested environments
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL) from concept through implementation, evaluation, and deployment
• Contribute to MATLAB modeling and simulation
• Validate and analyze performance of prototypes and tactical systems against complex operational scenarios
• Work as part of a team to design novel solutions and approaches for size/weight/power/cost (SWaP‑C) constrained communications concepts
• Provide status updates, analysis results, and algorithms in written reports and in presentations to internal APL staff, program contractors, and government sponsors
• Support occasional field tests for hardware testing

Minimum Qualifications

• Have a BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Have 3+ years of experience in communications system design and digital signal processing
• Have demonstrated experience in FPGA/firmware implementation of transceivers, link‑level algorithms, and communications hardware architectures
• Have understanding of system link budgets and analysis related to communications/RF systems
• Have strong knowledge of RF system design principles, with hands‑on experience using RF hardware and test equipment
• Have experience in MATLAB and/or Python for algorithm development, modeling, and simulation
• Have strong experience with FPGA firmware design and development using VHDL and/or Verilog
• Have demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
• Can effectively communicate ideas and results
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret security clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications

• Have an MS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Have professional experience with designing fast and adaptive wireless modems and/or networking protocols
• Have a deep understanding of wireless communications concepts (OFDM, MIMO, etc.)
• Have experience implementing advanced concepts on FPGA such as transceivers, estimators, adaptive filtering techniques, error correction codes, etc.
• Have experience with current military links (e.g., CDL, LINK16/MIDS)
• Have experience with satellite communications systems
• Have experience with heterogeneous (PL‑PS) designs on AMD/Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC/Versal architectures; familiarity with Petalinux/Yocto and C/C++ embedded programming experience
• Have an active Secret security clearance

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas.

Why Work at APL?

Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

Benefits

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $195,000 Annually