RF Seeker & Signal Processing Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking a skilled RF Seeker & Signal Processing Engineer in Laurel, Maryland, to advance RF seeker design and processing for precision strike weapon systems. You will join a collaborative team, tackle complex challenges, and ensure top performance of innovative RF systems.

The ideal candidate possesses a BS in engineering or physics, with at least 3 years of RF seeker or radar experience. Knowledge of radar physics and proficiency in Matlab are essential. A security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in RF seeker or radar systems engineering.
• Active Secret security clearance; eligibility for TS/SCI clearance required.
• Proficient in developing physics-based models of RF seeker components.

Responsibilities

• Model and analyze RF seekers for advanced weapons.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to drive innovation.
• Guide modeling and simulation of advanced seeker systems.

Skills

RF seeker or radar systems engineering experience

Matlab

Knowledge in radar physics

Coding skills (Python, C++)

Education

BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field

Tools

RF measurement instruments

ADS, HFSS, Microwave Office

Ansys STK, AFSIM

Job description

Overview

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

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

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.

As a RF Seeker & Signal Processing Engineer...

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibility will be to model and analyze RF seekers for advanced weapons.
• You will collaborate with a team of highly skilled engineers and scientists as a technical leader, driving innovation, advancing system performance, and contributing ideas that strengthen our collective expertise and reinforce our role as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders.
• You will apply your subject matter 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.
• You will use and develop analytical tools and models to predict seeker performance, evaluate design trade-offs, and support the development of advanced seeker systems.
• You will lead the exploration and evaluation of emerging seeker technologies, developing innovative concepts and solutions to address complex RF system and seeker design challenges.
• You will be responsible for assisting 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. We are counting on your vision and leadership for our team's future success.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field.
• Have 3+ years of combined RF seeker or radar systems engineering experience.
• Possess knowledge in 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.
• Have experience developing physics-based models of RF seeker or radar system components.
• Proficient in Matlab.
• Are 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. 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 our minimum requirements if you...

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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