RF Engineer with Security Clearance

Astrion; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks an RF Engineer to support space-based RF hardware development and EMI/EMC testing for AFRL in Albuquerque, NM. This on-site role includes lab testing, RF hardware selection, and laboratory documentation.

Responsibilities include MIL-STD-461 EMI/EMC testing, data analysis with MATLAB or Python, and collaboration with government and industry partners on spectrum coordination.

Qualifications

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

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 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 flight and ground hardware.
• Support spectrum certification and frequency coordination for AFRL programs.

Skills

RF Engineering

RF Test Equipment

MATLAB

Python

EMI/EMC Testing

MIL-STD-461

Data Analysis

Lab Testing

Test Planning

Communication

Independent Work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/RF Engineering

Tools

VNA

Spectrum Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Signal Generators

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 satellite RF communications concepts
• 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

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

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