Senior/Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer - Global Security Design, Development, and Quali[...]

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k)

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a Senior/Principal RF Engineer to join the Global Security Design, Development, and Qualification team onsite in New Mexico. You will lead EMI/EMC testing, analyze RF subsystems, and develop verification strategies to meet mission requirements. The role requires strong problem solving and collaboration with hardware teams.

Onsite work is required ~80% with potential for growth and access to cutting-edge facilities. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• DOE Q clearance eligibility is required or the ability to obtain it.
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing and RF system verification.

Responsibilities

• Determine EMI/EMC requirements for systems in development.
• Develop verification strategies to ensure EMI/EMC compliance.
• Operate EMI, RF, and electronics test equipment.
• Write tests plans, procedures, and reports.

Skills

EMC testing

RF design

Test equipment operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

RF test equipment

TEMPEST test setup

Job description

Senior/Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer – Global Security Design, Development, and Qualification, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. Our teams focus on cutting‑edge work across a broad array of areas.

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a motivated Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineer to contribute to the testing and analysis of a wide array of electronic components, subassemblies, and systems with a focus on advanced development and system qualification. The successful candidate will have a passion for solving difficult technical problems and a dedication to providing outstanding service in the national interest.

Responsibilities

• Determine EMI/EMC requirements for systems in development based on customer inputs, intended mission, and associated use environments.
• Develop verification strategies to ensure designs meet defined EMI/EMC requirements.
• Write documents, control plans, test procedures, and reports as needed.
• Troubleshoot EMI issues from board to system level.
• Operate a variety of EMI, RF, and electronics test equipment.
• Collaborate with project leads, hardware designers, and product realization teams.
• Be onsite 80% of the time.

Qualifications We Require

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and engineering experience that demonstrates independent research and development capability.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.

Qualifications We Desire

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field with an independent research project requirement.
• Laboratory skills and knowledge of RF and digital test equipment.
• Knowledge of RF, digital communications, electronic warfare, and cyber security systems and principles.
• Ability to work successfully in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, teaming environment.

Additional Experience

• Ability to set up and execute EMI‑EMC tests per MIL‑STD‑461.
• Experience in a fast‑paced test environment working with flight hardware.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting EMI/EMC events from board to system level.
• TEMPEST testing and/or willingness to become TEMPEST trained.
• Fundamental knowledge of ESD, survivability, and TEMPEST design techniques.
• Attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience managing work within an EMI test laboratory, including leading others and planning work.

Benefits

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. The position requires a federal background investigation.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

Location Advantages

• Affordable housing and reasonable cost of living.
• Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities.
• Recruiters manually review resumes on each job posting, ensuring accurate qualification assessment.