RF Engineer IV/V/VI

Zone5Technologies; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 141,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive total compensation package

401k with company match

4 weeks of paid time off

Job summary

Zone5Technologies in Fort Worth, TX is looking for an RF Engineer responsible for designing and integrating RF and antenna systems across its products. This role involves working through all lifecycle phases, ensuring robust RF solutions while collaborating closely with various engineering teams.

The ideal candidate has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and over 7 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $141,000 to $230,000, along with an attractive benefits package including medical and paid time off.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands.
• Define RF system requirements and drive architecture decisions.
• Support design, prototyping, integration, and qualification of wireless communication systems.

Skills

RF system design

Antenna integration

RF modeling and simulation tools

Programming or scripting (MATLAB, Python)

Strong troubleshooting skills

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting‑edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next‑generation flight systems, you belong here.

RF Engineer leads the design, analysis, and integration of RF and antenna systems across Zone 5 products. This role is responsible for developing high‑performance communication and RF architectures that operate reliably in complex electromagnetic environments.

You will work across the full lifecycle—from concept and trade studies through integration, test, and production—partnering closely with Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software, Integration, and Test to deliver robust, scalable RF solutions.

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.

Qualifications

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.
• Familiarization with MANET radios (e.g. Silvus, Persistent Systems, DTC, or similar).
• Proficiency with RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar).
• 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 by Level for Fort Worth, TX

Level IV - $141k - $171k

Level V - $171k - $199k

Level VI - $199k - $230k

Pay range for this role: $141,000 - $230,000 USD

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