RF Systems Engineer: HiL Testing & Field Evaluation

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks an RF Systems Evaluation and Integration Engineer to test, evaluate, and integrate RF systems for missile defense applications. The role focuses on real-world effectiveness, HiL facilities, and field testing to drive innovation in RF hardware and datalinks.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a technical field and has experience with RF systems, signal processing, FPGA design (VHDL), C++, and Python.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in a technical field (EE, Physics, CE, SE).
• Knowledge of RF systems, signal processing, FPGA design (VHDL), software (C++, Python), or data analysis/visualization (MATLAB).
• Familiar with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Able to travel up to 10–25% as needed.
• On-site at Laurel, MD; eligibility for Interim Secret then Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Integrate, test, and evaluate RF technologies in HiL and field settings.
• Create and implement test strategies to validate RF requirements.
• Analyze and prototype to improve RF systems.
• Use anechoic chambers and RF testbeds to characterize performance.
• Collaborate with engineers inside APL and with partners.

Skills

RF systems

signal processing

FPGA design

VHDL

C++

Python

data analysis/visualization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering

Tools

RF test equipment

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks an RF Systems Evaluation and Integration Engineer to test, evaluate, and integrate RF systems for missile defense applications. The role focuses on real-world effectiveness, HiL facilities, and field testing to drive innovation in RF hardware and datalinks.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a technical field and has experience with RF systems, signal processing, FPGA design (VHDL), C++, and Python.