RF Engineer with Security Clearance

Astrion; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking an RF Engineer to support space-based RF hardware development and EMI/EMC testing activities for AFRL programs in Albuquerque, NM. This on-site role involves hands-on lab work, RF test setups, data analysis, and coordination with DoD partners.

The successful candidate will design and execute RF tests, calibrate equipment, and document results, while ensuring MIL-STD-461 EMI/EMC compliance and safety protocols in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, RF Engineering, or related with RF focus.
• At least 3 years of hands-on RF engineering or testing experience.
• Experience planning RF lab/field tests and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate RF test configurations for lab and field use.
• Conduct RF component, subsystem, and system tests.
• Perform EMI/EMC testing to MIL-STD-461 standards.
• Analyze test data and present findings to engineering teams.
• Support verification and validation of hardware per program requirements.
• Maintain lab safety and coordinate with external partners.

Skills

DoD/DoD program experience

US Citizenship

RF engineering

RF test planning

Data analysis

MATLAB or Python

MIL-STD-461 familiarity

Lab testing

Technical documentation

Independence / teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / RF Engineering / related field

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers (VNAs)

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 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