RF Metasurface Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks an RF Researcher to lead design, prototyping, and fabrication of metasurfaces and intelligent RF structures. You will perform anechoic chamber measurements, build RF testbeds, analyze results, and propose refinements in close collaboration with physicists, engineers, and fabrication staff.

You will engage in computational modeling and experimental verification, contribute to cross‑disciplinary research, and help move projects toward

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in electromagnetic metasurfaces and microwave/RF components.
• Proficiency with full‑wave EM simulation packages CST, HFSS, or COMSOL.
• Experience configuring and operating RF hardware such as VNAs, antennas, and spectrum analyzers.
• Interest in fabrication of RF metasurfaces and PCBs.
• MATLAB or PYTHON programming.
• Eligible for Interim Secret, then Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, prototyping, and fabrication of metasurfaces and intelligent structures for manipulating RF fields.
• Conduct anechoic chamber measurements and devise RF testbeds to characterize prototypes.
• Analyze data and propose design refinements; collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Pursue independent R&D ideas and transition technologies toward real‑world applications.

Skills

RF metasurfaces

RF system design

MATLAB/Python

CEM tools experience

US citizenship / clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

CST

HFSS

COMSOL

VNAs / spectrum analyzers

Job description

Description

Do you enjoy designing and prototyping novel metasurfaces, and devices for manipulating electromagnetic fields at RF and microwave frequencies?

Are your proficient at using computational electromagnetic (CEM) tools, such as CST and COMSOL, for the simulation and optimization of RF metasurfaces, and in developing custom software to interface to CEM tools?

Are you skilled in experiment design and using radio frequency (RF) hardware and associated software to characterize RF prototypes?

Do you have experience configuring and operating RF systems composed of antennas, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators to characterize RF surfaces?

Are you interested in engaging in and learning about processes for fabricating and integrating printed circuit boards?

As a research scientist, you will join a team of computational and experimental researchers who are passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact the future development and application of advanced microwave devices, materials, and systems. Our team is committed to scientific excellence and continuous learning/improvement, valuing high-risk, high-reward ideas, honest discussion, and open collaboration.

We are seeking a creative RF researcher to help us fulfill the technical needs of existing projects growing new ones. As a member of our team, you’ll contribute to research that proceeds from computational modeling and optimization through prototyping and characterization to real-world transitioned technologies.

As a RF Researcher

Your primary responsibility will be to work closely with our team to oversee the design, prototyping, and fabrication of novel metasurfaces and intelligent structures designed for manipulating RF fields. In addition, you will participate in performing anechoic chamber measurements and devise RF testbeds to characterize the performance of electromagnetic prototypes, analyze data, and propose design refinements. Finally, you will advance independent research and development ideas while collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
• Possess a strong background in electromagnetic metasurfaces and microwave/RF components and circuits.
• Have proficiency in using a full-wave electromagnetic simulation package such as CST, HFSS, or COMSOL.
• Have a working experience or interest in configuring and operating typical RF hardware equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), antennas, and spectrum analyzers.
• Have interest in learning the procedures and protocols pertaining to the fabrication of RF metasurfaces.
• Write scientific programs in MATLAB or PYTHON.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond

• Have experience in printed circuit board layout and fabrication.
• Have interest in building systems with RF components (e.g., mixers, amplifiers, filters, and detectors)
• Have previously contributed to the design of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces
• Have broad exposure to common RF applications such as communications, radar, antenna design, and microwave imaging

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually