RF Engineer with Security Clearance

Astrion; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking an RF Engineer to support space-based RF hardware development and EMI/EMC testing for AFRL programs at Kirtland AFB, NM. You will contribute to lab testing, advise on RF hardware selection, and assist in spectrum coordination with government and industry stakeholders.

The role offers hands-on testing in a research environment with potential collaboration across DoD programs, NASA, and air force partners, requiring DoD eligibility and strong documentation practices.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, RF Engineering, or related discipline with an RF focus.
• 3+ years hands-on RF engineering/testing experience.
• Experience planning RF lab/field tests with data acquisition and analysis.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment: Spectrum analyzers, VNAs, Signal generators.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data modeling/analysis.
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC concepts (MIL-STD-461).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Attention to testing and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate RF test configurations for lab and field environments.
• Conduct testing of RF components, subsystems, and full systems.
• Perform EMI/EMC testing to MIL-STD-461 standards.
• Analyze RF test data and present findings to engineering teams.
• Support verification and validation of hardware to meet program requirements.
• Contribute to test planning, execution, and technical documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and review vendor test plans and deliverables.
• Enforce lab safety protocols and recommend process improvements.
• Assist in post-delivery testing of flight and ground hardware.
• Support spectrum certification and frequency coordination for AFRL programs.
• Prepare and submit DD Form 1494s using EL-CID and Spectrum XXI.
• Coordinate with NASA, AFSMO, DoC, SMC, and AFSPC.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, RF Engineering or related with RF focus

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Signal generators

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Overview R F Engineer LOCATION: On Site - Kirtland AFB, NM JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: DoD Secret clearance w/ TS/SCI eligibility CERTIFICATION: N/A TRAVEL: Astrion is seeking a n RF Engineer to support space-based RF hardware development and EMI/EMC testing activities for advanced research programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate in Albuquerque, NM . This position offers a hands-on opportunity to work on AFRL space vehicle and ground systems , contributing to lab testing, advising on RF hardware selection, technical documentation, and occasional advisement on spectrum coordination across military, government, and industry stakeholders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• U.S. Citizenship re quired
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical , Computer , RF Engineering , or a related discipline with an RF focus
• 3 + years of hands-on engineering and/or testing experience with radio-frequency systems
• Experience planning and conducting RF lab and/or field tests , including data acquisition and analysis
• Proficiency with RF test equipment , including:
• Spectrum analyzers
• Vector network analyzers (VNAs)
• Signal generators
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data modeling and analysis
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC testing concepts (especially MIL-STD-461)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication ski lls
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Attention to detail in testing and documentation processes

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Experience supporting DoD space programs , particularly in PNT or small satellite systems
• Experience with RF system calibration and ESD best practices
• Previous work in classified or secure lab environments
• Demonstrated ability to support multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Prior involvement with EMI/EMC lab setups , equi pment selection , and testing
• Ability to adapt quickly between lab tasks, documentation, and coordination with external partners
• Familiarity with frequency management tools: DD Form 1494, EL-CID, Spectrum XXI

RE SPONSIBILITIES

• Set up, calibrate, and operate RF test configurations for lab and field environments
• Conduct testing of RF components, subsystems, and full systems
• Perform EMI/EMC testing to MIL-STD-461 standards
• Analyze RF test data and present findings to engineering teams and stakeholders
• Support verification and validation (V&V) of hardware to meet program requirements
• Contribute to test planning, execution , and technical documentation
• Participate in design reviews and review vendor test plans and deliverables
• Enforce and maintain lab safety protocols and recommend process improvements
• Assist in post-delivery testing of fligh t and ground hardware
• Support spectrum certification and frequency coordination for AFRL programs
• This may include:
• Prepare and submit DD Form 1494s using EL-CID and Spectrum XXI
• Coordinate with stakeholders including NASA, AFSMO, DoC , SMC, and AFSPC
• Advise and/or m anage local spectrum usage for terrestria l system testing

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily located in a research and development lab with hands-on testing
• Use of advanced RF equipment: VNAs , spectrum analyzers , oscilloscopes , and signal generators
• Occasional office-based work for analysis, documentation, and reporting
• Occasional physical activity: lifting equipment up to 125 lbs (with assistance ) , use of ladders, carts, and lab handling tools
• #CJ