RF Seeker & Signal Processing Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking skilled engineers to advance RF seeker design and signal processing for precision strike weapon systems. This role entails collaboration in a dynamic team, tackling complex technical challenges to strengthen defense capabilities.

Candidates must possess a BS in electrical engineering or physics, along with 3+ years in RF seeker or radar systems engineering. The expected salary ranges from $85,000 to $195,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Join us and contribute to missions that defend our nation.

Qualifications

• Proficient in developing physics-based models for RF seeker or radar systems.
• Experience in RF seeker algorithms within missile simulations.
• Must hold an active Secret security clearance and become TS/SCI eligible.

Responsibilities

• Model and analyze RF seekers for advanced weapons.
• Collaborate with engineers as a technical leader driving innovation.
• Lead evaluation of emerging seeker technologies.

Skills

RF seeker experience

Radar systems engineering

Digital signal processing

Matlab proficiency

Education

BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field

MS or PhD in a related technical field

Tools

ADS

HFSS

Microwave Office

Ansys STK

AFSIM

Job description

Description

Do you thrive on solving problems where physics, engineering, and real-world mission needs converge?

We are seeking engineers to advance RF seeker design and signal processing capabilities for cutting‑edge precision strike weapon systems, pushing the boundaries of performance at extreme speeds and conditions.

You’ll be joining a highly skilled and collaborative team of engineers dedicated to developing innovative RF systems that help defend our nation against the world’s most advanced threats. Together, we tackle complex technical challenges and deliver capabilities designed for the demanding battle spaces of the future.

Responsibilities

• Model and analyze RF seekers for advanced weapons.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists as a technical leader, driving innovation, advancing system performance, and contributing ideas that strengthen collective expertise and support government stakeholders.
• Apply expertise in RF seekers and signal processing to guide the modeling and simulation of advanced seeker systems, ensuring accurate representation of seeker performance and its interaction with guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) functions, engagement dynamics, and end‑to‑end kill chain effectiveness.
• Use and develop analytical tools and models to predict seeker performance, evaluate design trade‑offs, and support the development of advanced seeker systems.
• Lead the exploration and evaluation of emerging seeker technologies, developing innovative concepts and solutions to address complex RF system and seeker design challenges.
• Assist group leadership with defining and implementing a growth and training plan for the RF systems and seeker section to best serve the engineering needs of our programs.

Qualifications

• BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field.
• 3+ years of combined RF seeker or radar systems engineering experience.
• Knowledge of radar physics, including electromagnetic wave propagation, digital signal processing, RCS modeling, estimation and detection theory, automatic target recognition, target tracking or missile decision logic theory, antenna theory and phased arrays, radar waveform design principles.
• Experience developing physics‑based models of RF seeker or radar system components.
• Proficient in Matlab.
• Willing and able to support travel to sponsor and field sites as needed.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. Must be U.S. citizen.

Desired Qualifications

• MS or PhD in a related technical field.
• Additional coding skills (Python, C++, or other languages).
• Experience writing and implementing RF seeker algorithms within six‑degree‑of‑freedom missile simulations.
• Experience developing and assessing electronic attack/electronic protection techniques.
• Experience leveraging RF measurement instruments for laboratory testing of RF components.
• Experience with RF design tools (ADS, HFSS, Microwave Office, etc.) and layout tools.
• Other modeling and simulation tool experience (Ansys STK, AFSIM).
• Final Top Secret Security clearance.

About 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].

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually