RF Communications Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an RF Communications Systems Engineer to analyze wireless links, model RF propagation, and guide design choices for fielded sensing and communication systems. You’ll collaborate with embedded and FPGA teams to turn concepts into deployable capabilities.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years in electrical or related fields and experience in RF hardware, software for communications, and system-level analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of related experience.
• Experience in RF hardware, software for communications, or RF systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of signals, modulation, estimation, and detection.

Responsibilities

• Analyze wireless communication systems by developing link budgets and modeling RF propagation.
• Evaluate system performance to develop transmitter, receiver, and system requirements.
• Characterize documented and undocumented systems and protocols to guide new approaches.
• Contribute to algorithm, hardware, software, and SDR development from concept to test.
• Plan field evaluations to validate performance and improve designs.
• Collaborate with sponsors and engineering teams to translate needs into deployable solutions.

Skills

RF hardware design experience

Signal processing theory

RF systems engineering

Link budgets

RF propagation modeling

System requirements translation

Matlab/Python/C/C++

Independent problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master’s or Ph.D. in communications/RF (advantage)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

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

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• 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’ll 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

Why Work at APL?

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. 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.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually