RF Systems and Satellite Communications Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Education assistance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking an RF Systems Engineer to drive the design and development of next-generation spacecraft systems. Your role will involve leading technical efforts in satellite communications while collaborating with engineers from various disciplines. Candidates should have a solid background in RF systems, ideally with a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering and over 5 years of experience in the field.

The position requires flexibility for missions and the ability to obtain a Top Secret level clearance. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, and salaries range from $105,000 to $290,000 annually, based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in satellite RF communications and RF systems design.
• Experience in RF hardware design and/or testing.
• Able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze and develop RF systems for spacecraft.
• Lead technical teams throughout the RF systems development cycle.
• Assist project management in sponsor engagement.

Skills

RF systems design

Satellite communications

Electrical Engineering

MATLAB/SystemVue

Flexibility for short periods

Education

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

SystemVue

Job description

Description

Are you experienced with RF systems design, analysis, and development for space and ground segments?

Are you a clear thinker with good interpersonal skills, and effective communications skills?

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

We are seeking an RF systems engineer to design, analyze and develop NASA and DoD's next generation spacecraft. You'll be joining a hard‑working team of engineers who thrive on making critical contributions to our Nation's critical challenges. Our culture embraces our core values of unquestionable integrity, trusted service to our nation, world‑class expertise, game‑changing impact, highly collaborative, and even fun environment!

As an RF Systems Engineer you will…

• You will perform conceptual systems design, simulation, link analysis, hardware trade studies, technical tradeoffs, and costing for satellite communications and RF system design concepts for both space and ground segments.
• You will work with mission and spacecraft systems engineers, peer subsystem engineers and project management in overall mission development and execution from concept to launch, including technical concept design, requirements,development phases, technical reviews, budget development and schedule.
• You will lead technical teams throughout the RF systems development cycle, including system concept, trade studies, prototype work, flight development, integration, and test.
• You will assist project and program management in sponsor engagement.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have…

• A BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years direct experience in satellite RF communications and RF systems design, development, simulation (MATLAB,SystemVue, or equivalent) and operations.
• Experience in RF hardware design and/or testing.
• Are willing and able to accommodate: flexible hours for spacecraft level testing activities for short periods of time, infrequent travel to customer or sponsor locations as well as spacecraft integration and test sites.
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly 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 have…

• PhD degree in Electrical Engineering with previous RF systems design leadership experience.
• Experience with software‑defined radios SDR, antennas, RF characterization and measurements to Ka‑band or beyond, Radar systems design, military satellite communications systems.
• Ability to work independently without technical oversight.
• Other key skills: Solid State Power Amplifier SSPA design, RF / microwave circuit design, Digital Signal Processing DSP, SIGINT, Precision Timing, and Time Transfer, Radar Design

#LI-KW1

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually

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.