RF Communications Engineer: FPGA & Embedded Systems

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

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.