RF Engineer($145k-160k)

Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing; Morrisville (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited flexible PTO

Complimentary lunches four days a week

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in North Carolina seeks an RF Engineer to design and develop high-performance RF circuits with a focus on embedded systems. The ideal candidate should possess a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and have over 5 years of hands-on RF design experience. Responsibilities include developing RF circuits, supporting integration into UAV systems, and applying EMI/RFI mitigation strategies. A competitive benefits package is offered, including flexible PTO and health insurance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on RF design experience, from initial concept through full production.
• Solid knowledge of RF fundamentals.
• Proficiency using PCB design tools for schematic capture and board layout.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance RF circuits and subsystems.
• Implement effective EMI/RFI mitigation strategies.
• Support the integration of RF and microwave assemblies into unmanned aerial systems.

Skills

RF design experience

PCB design tools

RF laboratory test equipment

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

RF Engineer - Exciting Defense Startup! Lead Position, Project Ownership!

We’re looking for a creative and hands-on RF Engineer to help design, develop, and test cutting-edge electronic systems. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment and is equally comfortable working across mechanical design, fabrication, production, and software integration. If you love tackling complex engineering challenges involving embedded systems, wireless communications, and real-world tactical applications—and want to see your designs take flight—we’d love to hear from you.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance RF circuits and subsystems, including phased arrays, transmitters, and receivers.
• Create schematics and perform PCB layout for RF transceivers and high-speed mixed-signal boards.
• Work with key RF components such as matching networks, filters, LNAs, mixers, VGAs, PLLs/synthesizers, and VCOs.
• Implement effective EMI/RFI mitigation strategies and resolve interference problems during development and testing.
• Build and validate prototypes using RF test equipment including signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), power meters, and noise figure meters.
• Support the integration of RF and microwave assemblies into unmanned aerial systems and related platforms.
• Review field performance data, diagnose issues, and drive design improvements to enhance system reliability.
• Partner with firmware engineers to define and validate embedded control interfaces and feedback loops.

Key Requirements

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
• At least 5 years of hands-on RF design experience, from initial concept through full production.
• Solid knowledge of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, Smith charts, IP3, IMD, phase noise, and harmonic distortion.
• Proficiency using PCB design tools for schematic capture and board layout.
• Practical experience with RF laboratory test equipment and bringing up new prototypes.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with antenna design, simulation, or testing.
• Familiarity with Altium Designer for PCB development.
• Proven ability to debug EMI/EMC issues at both board and system levels.
• Background in embedded software and RF control system integration.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, resource-limited startup setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ownership and problem-solving skills from concept through field deployment.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance with company contributions, a 401(k) plan, and an HSA. Full-time employees enjoy unlimited flexible PTO, paid holidays, and generous company-wide paid breaks—including a two-week winter shutdown, a one-week summer break, and a Thanksgiving break.

In-office team members receive complimentary lunches four days a week, and all employees get free DashPass.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We consider qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.