RF Engineer (Level IV) - TS/SCI clearance

Lockheed Martin; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

401(k) match

Paid time off

Parental Leave

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Space seeks an experienced RF Engineer to design, integrate, test, and sustain ground modem hardware in a fast-paced environment. You will collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance RF solutions for critical missions.

The role involves RF architecture development, system-level analysis, and hands-on lab testing, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and participate in TIMs and program reviews.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field.
• 5+ years of RF engineering experience.
• Experience in RF design domains such as communication systems, RF/microwave circuits, architecture, simulation and testing.
• Proficiency with RF design tools and high-frequency simulation.
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI w/ CI Polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, integrate, and test RF hardware for ground modem systems.
• Develop RF architectures, signal chains, and hardware interfaces for modem applications.
• Perform RF analysis including link budgets, gain/noise, frequency planning, interference, and performance characterization.
• Develop and execute test plans, verification procedures, and troubleshooting for RF hardware.
• Lead trade studies, risk assessments, and root-cause investigations for RF performance.

Skills

RF system design

Signal processing

Link budget analysis

RF architecture

RF simulation tools

RF testing

Python

MATLAB

Engineering processes

Embedded RF processing

Communication skills

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Master of Science (preferred)

Tools

SystemVue

ADS

HFSS

CST

Microwave Office

RFSoC

Job description

Lockheed Martin Space is seeking an experienced RF Engineer to support the design, integration, test, and sustainment of ground modem hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This role requires close collaboration with customers, cross-functional engineering teams, and senior program management to deliver high-performance RF solutions that meet critical mission and program objectives.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Design, analyze, integrate, and test RF hardware for ground-based modem systems.
• Development of RF architectures, signal chains, and hardware interfaces for modem applications.
• Perform RF analysis including link budgets, gain/noise calculations, frequency planning, interference analysis, and performance characterization.
• Develop and execute test plans, verification procedures, and troubleshooting activities for RF hardware requirements buy-off.
• Leading complex trade studies, risk assessments, and root-cause investigations for RF system performance issues, driving resolution across engineering disciplines
• Representing RF Engineering in customer-facing engagements, design reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and program milestone reviews
• Mentoring and developing junior RF engineers, conducting technical training, and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.

Architects and designs Radio Frequency systems and circuitry. Designs and develops RF circuitry used in high frequency and microwave applications, including receivers, transmitters, antennas, and frequency synthesizers. Responsible for hardware layout, component evaluation, prototype construction, and test. Prepares test methods and specifications; analyzes and tests RF hardware to verify performance characteristics. Provides inputs to Product Development for formal documentation and supports manufacturing during the deliverable assembly and test phase. In addition, develops RF System/Subsystem Architectures consisting of: antennas, transmitters, receivers, low noise amplifiers, high power amplifiers, RF conversion elements and transmission line equipment. Performs link analysis and optimization, including effects of propagation medium and possible interference sources. Develops and allocates RF system and subsystem functional and performance requirements. Identifies and tracks RF technical performance measurements (TPMs). Performs RF system/subsystem/component trade studies and CAIV analysis. Supports Life Cycle Costs, reliability, availability, and maintainability analysis.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field from an accredited university
• Experience in one or more RF engineering domains:

• Communication system design, including signal processing, waveform design, and link budget analysis
• RF/microwave circuit and subsystem design, from concept through deployment
• RF system architecture development and requirements decomposition
• Advanced simulation and modeling at system, circuit, and full-wave levels (e.g., SystemVue, ADS, HFSS, CST, Microwave Office)
• Experience with RF test equipment, laboratory operations, and/or production support at the system and subsystem level
• Active TS/SCI w CI Polygraph

Desired Skills

• Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in RF engineering or a related discipline
• Strong software engineering skills in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis and test automation
• Experience establishing engineering processes, standards, and tools that improve organizational capability and efficiency
• Experience with real-time embedded RF signal processing on RFSoC, FPGA, or GPU platforms
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex RF concepts to executive leadership, customers, and non-technical audiences

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $150800.00 - $280000.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow - both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.