RF Communications Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Competitive retirement contributions

Sign-on/relocation benefits

Generous paid time off and work-life

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an RF Communications Systems Engineer to analyze link budgets, RF propagation, and system requirements for advanced sensing and communication platforms. You will collaborate with embedded/FPGA teams to turn concepts into deployable capabilities.

Applicants should have 5+ years in RF engineering, solid MATLAB/Python/C++ skills, and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance with US citizenship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in RF engineering, RF hardware design, or RF systems engineering.
• Deep understanding of signals and systems and digital communications (modulation, estimation, detection) with link budgets, RF propagation analysis, and system requirements translation.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar languages for model development.
• Ability to independently investigate complex technical problems and develop solutions.
• Must be able to obtain Secret clearance by start date and pursue TS/SCI; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze wireless communication systems by developing link budgets and modeling RF propagation and channel effects.
• Evaluate system performance to derive transmitter, receiver, and system design requirements.
• Analyze systems, waveforms, and protocols to characterize operation and develop new approaches.
• Contribute to algorithm, hardware, software, and SDR development from concept through test.
• Plan and conduct field evaluations to validate performance and improve designs.
• Collaborate with sponsors and engineering teams to translate challenges into technical requirements and field-ready solutions.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Signal processing

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Link budgets

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/Physics/CS

Master's or PhD in related field (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Simulink

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about applying signal processing, communications, detection, and estimation theory to solve challenging RF problems? Do you enjoy developing novel approaches to characterize and build communication systems for unique and challenging problems? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We develop end-to-end RF communications and sensing systems from idea to fielded capability for challenging national security problems. We seek an engineer to analyze communication links and propagation environments, guide design choices, and develop hardware and software solutions that realize sophisticated RF sensing and communication systems. In collaboration with a team of embedded and FPGA developers and hardware designers, you'll turn novel concepts into deployable capabilities.

As an RF Communications Systems Engineer, you will:

• Analyze wireless communication systems by developing link budgets and modeling RF propagation and channel effects.
• Evaluate system performance across realistic operational environments to develop transmitter, receiver, and system design requirements.
• Analyze documented and undocumented systems, waveforms, and protocols to characterize their operation and develop new communication and sensing approaches.
• Contribute to algorithm, hardware, software, and software-defined radio development, from concept through implementation, integration, and test.
• Plan and conduct field evaluations to assess and validate system performance and improve designs.
• Collaborate with sponsors and engineering teams to understand mission challenges, develop technical requirements and solutions, and transition successful designs to the field.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or another relevant field.
• Bring experience in RF or electronic hardware design, communication system software development, or RF systems engineering in support of the build and integration of RF communication systems.
• Have deep understanding of signals and systems and digital communications, including modulation, estimation, and detection techniques with experience in link budgets, RF propagation, system performance analysis, and translating analysis into system requirements.
• Are proficient in developing communication system models and algorithms using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar languages.
• Have demonstrated ability to independently investigate complex technical problems and develop solutions.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

• Have a Master's or Ph.D. in a related technical field with a focus on communications or RF systems.
• Have broad experience spanning multiple aspects of RF system development, such as RF hardware, system software, embedded systems, software-defined radios, or signal processing implementation.
• Have experience providing technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams.

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. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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].

Benefits

• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.
• 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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually