RF Engineer

Intellian Technologies; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Flexible time off

Job summary

Intellian Technologies' Advanced Development Center in Rockville, MD is seeking an RF Engineer to design and develop RF/microwave transceivers from antenna to modem interfaces, joining a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include prototyping, bring‑up, testing and qualification; drafting test plans; setting up lab test facilities; and developing automated test codes in Python to validate radios and prototypes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in RF/microwave engineering or electromagnetic theory is required.
• 3+ years of experience testing and characterizing microwave circuits such as high‑power amplifiers and PLLs.
• Experience with RF/microwave design tools such as ADS, HFSS, Cadence Allegro and Altium.
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers).
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, multi‑carrier techniques, and modulation types (QPSK, APSK, QAM).

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate RF front‑end systems with cross‑functional teams.
• Assist with schematic designs and validation.
• Design and test RF/microwave circuits, boards, and production packages.
• Evaluate and characterize prototypes; analyze radio performance.
• Develop automated test equipment and test software in Python.
• Support production testing with manufacturing engineers.

Skills

RF/microwave theory

Digital communication

Test automation

Education

Master's degree in RF engineering

Tools

ADS

HFSS

Cadence Allegro

Altium

Job description

Intellian Technologies' Advanced Development Center in Rockville, MD is looking for an RF Engineer with expertise in the design and development of RF/microwave transceivers. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing new high-performance radio transceiver systems from antenna to modem interfaces. As an RF Engineer, you will participate in the development, and testing/qualification of novel RF/microwave radio transceivers for SATCOM user terminals.

An ideal candidate should have a good understanding of RF/microwave radio transceiver (Ku and Ka Band) engineering with hands‑on skills to work with radio‑related equipment. The candidate will participate in prototype design, bring‑up, and test/qualification, including drafting test plans/procedures, setting up testing facilities, and compiling test reports. The candidate should also have a good understanding of Python and working with RF equipment and RF test procedures to develop new test codes for testing and validation of radios and prototypes in the lab.

Main Responsibilities and Tasks

• Design, simulate/model RF front‑end systems, working with system architects, modem/DSP and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains.
• Assist with schematic designs and validation
• Design and test RF/microwave circuits, boards, and production packages.
• Suggest and validate new components for the design, evaluate and characterize prototypes, and analyze radio performance.
• Assist in the development of automated test equipment for lab measurements using Python.
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing of RF components and systems.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Master's degree in an engineering discipline with an emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience with testing and characterization of different microwave circuits such as high‑power amplifiers and PLL s.
• Experience with the design of linear and non‑linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low‑noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, and PLLs.
• RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, or similar design software packages.
• Experience with Cadence allegro and capture or altium.
• Technical Knowledge: * Thorough understanding of RF/Microwave passive components, such as PLL, LC VCO, ring‑oscillator VCO, Crystal oscillator, LNA, Amplifier, regulator, and voltage reference.
• Hands‑on experience with radio‑related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers.
• Hands‑on experience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequencies.
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi‑carrier techniques, and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK, and QAM.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience in Python or Matlab or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems.
• Python programming experience for test automation.
• Digital communication theory with an emphasis on bit error rate and system noise figure.
• RF/microwave design in the Ku & Ka frequency range.
• Experience with schedule tracking tools such as MS Project, SharePoint, Confluence, and Jira.
• Familiarity with satellite communication theory.
• Familiarity with phased array technologies and implementations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely and effectively in a laboratory environment, including handling, assembling, and testing RF components.
• Comfortable with extensive hands‑on testing and bench work using various RF lab equipment.
• Occasional travel may be required for vendor collaboration or manufacturing support.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on computers.
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Must be able to lift up to at least 25 pounds at times.
• Ability to traverse to multiple locations.

About Intellian Technologies

Intellian is the world’s leading provider of satellite antennas and terminals, with a mission to empower connectivity so connectivity can empower the world. We are driven by a passion for innovation and agile responsiveness to customer needs. As the crucial link between satellite networks and millions of people on Earth, Intellian’s leading technology and antennas empower global connectivity across oceans and continents, organizations, and communities. Strategic thinking, an obsession with quality, and a proven ability to deliver enable Intellian to invent for the future, creating mutual success for partners and customers as the world’s connectivity needs evolve.

We offer a generous benefits package, including flexible time off and paid holidays. Eligible employees also have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as short‑term and long‑term disability coverage. A 401(k) plan with employer safe harbor is available. Additional compensation elements may be offered depending on the role, which may include an opportunity for an annual bonus based on both company and individual performance.