RF Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Maryland seeks an RF Engineer to advance non‑kinetic engagement concepts for missile defense, including RF defeat, EW, and HPM technologies, joining a team of engineers and scientists.

The role involves system‑level RF analysis, testing, and collaboration with systems and sensor teams, with opportunities to design and test RF hardware and software‑defined radio components, while pursuing security clearances.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related fields.
• At least 4 years in high power microwave, EW, RF systems, or related.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, C, C++, Java.
• Eligibility for Interim Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Perform system-level RF analysis including link budgets, propagation effects, and lethality assessments.
• Evaluate lethality and effectiveness of RF, EW, and HPM systems against threats via experiments and simulations.
• Propose, analyze, and test novel RF concepts, waveforms, and hardware designs.
• Understand kill chain integration with systems engineers and sensor experts to evaluate performance.
• As needed, perform SDR, RF circuit, amplifier, and antenna design, simulation, development and test.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Java

RF systems

EW systems

HPM systems

System-level design

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in science or engineering (preferred)

Job description

Description

Would you like to be part of a team that is revolutionizing modern warfare and pushing boundaries in the art of the possible?

Do you want to become an expert in RF systems to include Electronic Warfare and High Power Microwave systems as well as other applications?

We’re looking for someone like you to join our team!

The A4H Applied Technologies and Threat Engineering Group develops non‑kinetic engagement strategies by combining a detailed understanding of threat systems (ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and similar systems) with non‑kinetic technologies. Our group is seeking a highly motivated staff member to help us understand and develop non‑kinetic systems and their impacts on adversary missiles and associated systems. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who are subject‑matter experts in the area of RF defeat, and develop, test, and assess various advanced technologies for missile defense.

As an RF Engineer you will…

• Perform system‑level RF analysis, including link budgets, propagation effects, and lethality assessments.
• Evaluate lethality and effectiveness of RF, EW, and HPM systems against air and missile threats through experimentation, simulation, and analysis.
• Propose, analyze, and test novel RF concepts at the system level, novel waveforms, new hardware designs, etc.
• Understand kill chain integration of RF, EW, and HPM systems, working with systems engineers, combat system experts, and sensor experts to evaluate performance such as end‑to‑end mission modeling, technical concept design, requirements definition, development phases, and technical reviews.
• As needed, perform software defined radio, analog, RF circuit, amplifier, and/or antenna design, simulation, development, and test. Duties could include component development, system development, and test design and implementation.

Qualifications

You meet the minimum qualifications for the position if you possess…

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related fields.
• At least 4 years of experience in one of the following technical thrust areas: high power microwave systems, electronic warfare systems, RF systems, or a related field.
• Experience with a programming language such as MATLAB, Python, C, C++, Java, or similar.
• Are able to obtain an Interim 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 go above and beyond the minimum qualifications if you possess…

• M.S. in science or engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of one or more of: RF propagation, system design, or testing.
• Previous academic or professional experience developing, testing, or modeling EW or HPM weapon systems and their effectiveness.
• Experience with software defined radios, especially in EW applications.
• Experience designing and executing conducted and radiated RF experiments, including scripting instrument control, data collection and documentation.
• Prior warfighter experience.
• An active TS/SCI security 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.

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].

Compensation and Benefits

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