RF Systems Engineer- Wireless and Satellite Communications

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 104,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks an RF/communications engineer to support next-generation wireless systems, including HF radio networks, 5G NTN and satellite links, in the Advanced Technology Laboratory.

You will help model, design, integrate and test RF systems and subsystems, with emphasis on two or more core areas such as communications networking, signal processing, FPGA/HDL design, and RF circuit/antenna design.

Qualifications

• BS in Physics or Electrical Engineering with emphasis on electromagnetics, microwaves, signal processing, or communication systems.
• Three years of related experience.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment and laboratory measurement techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of RF spectrum, propagation and environmental effects.
• Ability to design, implement and test in at least two areas: DSP, FPGA, networking, RF circuit/antenna design.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement signal processing chains for communication systems in software or programmable hardware (FPGA/HDL).
• Design and implement communications networking software and protocols for wireless and SATCOM systems.
• Design and test RF circuits, antennas and related components.
• Develop and test low/high-power RF and analog circuits and subsystems.
• Test RF elements in lab and field environments with modern RF test equipment.
• Present results and trade studies to stakeholders; document components and subsystems.

Skills

Independent work

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or EE

Tools

VHDL/Verilog

RF test equipment

Vector network analyzers

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Job description

Job Details

Purpose

Support developing next-generation wireless communication systems, including HF radio networks, 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite-based links in the Advanced Technology Laboratory contributing to the modeling, design, integration, and field testing of RF systems and subsystems, This position welcomes candidates with deep expertise in two or more of the team’s core technical areas: communications networking, signal processing, FPGA/HDL design, and RF circuit and antenna design

Responsibilities

• Development and implementation of signal processing chains for communication systems – including sampling, equalization, modulation/demodulation, and forward error correction – in software, or programmable hardware (FPGA/HDL), or both.
• Design and implementation of communications networking software and protocols for wireless and SATCOM systems.
• Design, assessment, and development of RF circuits, antennas, and associated components (matching networks, duplexers, filters, amplifiers, mixers).
• Development and testing of low- and high-power RF and analog circuits and subsystems.
• Testing in both laboratory and field environments of RF elements, subsystems, and full systems using modern RF test equipment.
• Preparing and delivering technical presentations of results, designs, and trade studies to internal and external project stakeholders.
• Documentation of all components and subsystems developed
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering or other related discipline with an emphasis on electromagnetics, microwaves, signal processing, or communication systems.
• Three years of related experience.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators) and laboratory measurement techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the RF spectrum, propagation, and associated environmental effects.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and test in at least two of the following areas:
• Digital signal processing for communications (sampling theory, equalizers, modulators/demodulators, forward error correction)
• FPGA design and hardware description languages (VHDL/Verilog)
• Communications networking concepts and protocol implementation
• RF circuit and/or antenna design
• Experience preparing and delivering technical presentations and written documentation.

Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Salary Range

$104,000-$174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial college transcripts

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.