RF Engineer with Security Clearance

Astrion; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking an RF Engineer to support space-based RF hardware development and EMI/EMC testing for AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate, in Albuquerque, NM. The role involves hands-on lab work, test planning, documentation, and coordination with DoD and industry partners.

Required is a DoD-related clearance readiness, a Bachelor’s in a relevant field, and 3+ years of RF experience. Travel and security considerations apply in a dynamic, collaborative lab environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on RF engineering/testing experience
• Experience with RF lab/field tests and data analysis
• Proficiency with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and signal generators

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 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

Hands-on RF testing

Data analysis (MATLAB/Python)

Analytical skills

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/RF Engineering

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 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

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 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