RF Engineer IV/V/VI

Zone5Technologies; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 138,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive total compensation package

Comprehensive benefit options

401k with company match

4 weeks paid time off

12 annual company holidays

Job summary

Zone5Technologies is seeking an RF Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and integration of RF systems. This role involves developing high-performance communication architectures and requires strong experience in RF system design and troubleshooting.

Ideal candidates will have a B.S. degree and 7+ years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive total compensation package, including 401k, paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration.
• Strong experience with RF architectures including transceivers and antenna integration.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).

Responsibilities

• Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands.
• Perform RF analysis including link budgets and antenna patterns.
• Support test activities including lab validation and flight test data analysis.

Skills

RF system design

RF architectures

Troubleshooting skills

Programming (MATLAB, Python)

Communication protocols

RF modeling and simulation tools

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Signal generators

Altium

Job description

RF Engineer – leads the design, analysis, and integration of RF and antenna systems across Zone 5 products, developing high-performance communication and RF architectures that operate reliably in complex electromagnetic environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands and technologies.
• Define RF system requirements and drive architecture decisions through analysis, trade studies, and feasibility assessments.
• Perform RF analysis including link budgets, antenna patterns, RF chain performance, interference/desense, and installed system effects.
• Develop and validate RF/data link models and communication performance simulations.
• Conduct hardware and software trade studies to optimize RF system performance, robustness, and scalability.
• Support design, prototyping, integration, and qualification of wireless communication systems.
• Debug and characterize RF issues including noise sources, interference, and aggressor/victim interactions.
• Integrate RF subsystems with avionics, payloads, and platform constraints to ensure end-to-end system performance.
• Develop and maintain internal RF modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
• Support test activities including lab validation, ground testing, and flight test data analysis.
• Present technical findings in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and leadership discussions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to RF engineering standards and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration.
• Strong experience with RF architectures including transceivers, front-end design, and antenna integration.
• Familiarity with MANET radios (e.g., Silvus, Persistent Systems, DTC).
• Proficiency with RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS).
• Experience performing RF system analysis (interference, system performance).
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, RTSP, and other transmission protocols, with the ability to perform link budget and data throughput analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++, bash) for modeling and data analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in complex RF environments.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and communicate effectively across IPTs.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) or contested electromagnetic environments.
• Familiarity with communication systems, signal processing, and data link design.
• Experience with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium) and hardware implementation.
• Understanding of antenna theory and real‑world integration constraints.
• Experience designing for manufacturability, cost, and production scalability.
• Experience supporting flight test or deployed RF systems.
• Active or eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance.

Pay Range

Level IV: $138k - $164k

Level V: $164k - $191k

Level VI: $191k - $244k

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package.
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company match.
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year.
• 12 annual company holidays.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E‑Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E‑Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.