RF Systems Engineer- Wireless and Satellite Communications

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 104,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid basic medical

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking an RF Systems Engineer (Wireless and Satellite Communications) at the Pickle Research Campus to advance next‑generation wireless and satellite links.

You will contribute to modeling, design, integration and field testing of RF systems and subsystems, with emphasis on multiple core areas including communications networking, signal processing, FPGA/HDL design and RF circuit/antenna design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering or related field with 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 environmental effects.
• Experience in two of: Digital signal processing for communications; FPGA design; communications networking concepts; RF circuit/antenna design.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement signal processing chains for communication systems in software or programmable hardware (FPGA/HDL).
• Design and implement networking software and protocols for wireless and SATCOM systems.
• Design and assess RF circuits, antennas and matching networks, filters, amplifiers and mixers.
• Develop and test RF and analog circuits and subsystems at various power levels.
• Test RF elements and full systems in lab and field using modern RF test equipment.
• Prepare and present technical results and trade studies to stakeholders.
• Document all components and subsystems.

Skills

Signal processing

FPGA design

RF engineering

Communications networking concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

VHDL/Verilog

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Job Title

RF Systems Engineer - Wireless and Satellite Communications

Department

Applied Research Laboratories

Location

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Contract & Hours

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40.

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA.

Earliest Start Date: Immediately.

Position Duration: Expected to Continue.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on electromagnetics, microwaves, signal processing, or communication systems.
• More than seven years of related experience.
• Direct experience with 5G, including non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and/or satellite communication systems (SATCOM, LEO/MEO/GEO links).
• Direct experience with HF radios.
• Hardware/software co-design experience (e.g., implementing DSP algorithms in FPGAs).
• Experience with software‑defined radio (SDR) platforms and over-the‑air testing.
• Practical experience with antenna design across a range of topologies.
• Software development experience in Python, C/C++, or MATLAB for RF systems modeling, simulation, or test automation.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

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.

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

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 promotion/transfer opportunities.
• 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.

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) and to supply resources for reporting. 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.

About the University of Texas at Austin

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world‑changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Contact

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco‑free Campus