Senior RF Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior RF Engineer to tackle vital challenges in VLF/HF communications for military applications. This role involves conducting field tests, improving SDR software, and developing signal processing techniques. Join a team dedicated to enhancing national defense communications and enjoy a vibrant workplace that fosters creativity and growth. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, this position offers a chance to make a significant impact in the realm of communications technology.

Benefits

Education Assistance Program

Retirement Contributions

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Training and Development

Life Insurance

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Electrical Engineering with relevant experience.
• Proficiency in RF communications and DSP.
• Experience with lab testing and field-testing teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field tests for military VLF and HF radios.
• Design and perform lab tests for receiver performance.
• Develop signal processing techniques for improved reception.

Skills

Radio Frequency (RF) Communications

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Communication Theory

Laboratory Testing

Field Testing

Signal Processing Techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum Analyzers

Signal Generators

Oscilloscopes

Software-Defined Radios (SDR)

Job description

Description

Do you have experience solving real world problems related to RF communications?

Are you interested in advancing the field of VLF/HF band radio communications?

Are you searching for meaningful work to solve crucial communications challenges for our military?

The Nuclear Command Communications Systems Group (QKR) is looking for a Senior RF Engineer who is motivated to make critical contributions to our nation's defense in the area of High Frequency (HF) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications. As a group, QKR focuses on providing solutions that ensure communications at the highest levels of our government to assist in solving our nation's toughest challenges.

In this role, you will be asked to solve problems requiring a fundamental understanding of end-to-end Radio Frequency (RF) communications. A strong background across the electrical engineering disciplines will increase your ability to make an impact in our RF team across our testing and evaluation (T&E), modeling and simulation (M&S), signal processing and analysis, and hardware/software development focus areas.

These foundational elements are critical to our ability to perform testing and evaluation of military radios across platforms, including the B-2, B-52, E-6B, and the US submarine fleet, and facilities, including US Naval stations and Air Force bases. Experimental results obtained in the field are used to improve our modeling and simulation capabilities, providing our sponsors with increasingly accurate predictions of communications performance specific to their equipment. A strong background in processing and analyzing digital signals and in software and hardware development will further our ability to provide recommendations to improve communications in current and future military radios.

The Nuclear Command Communications Systems Group has a long legacy of serving our country to ensure our ability to communicate in critical times of need. Our RF team is seeking to continue this tradition of excellence in T&E and M&S while continuing to build a strong technical depth in signal analysis and communications theory, particularly in the HF radio band.

As a Senior RF Engineer, you will...

• Conduct field tests to characterize receiver systems (military VLF and HF radios), receiver sites (US Naval and Air Force bases), and operational platforms (US Navy and Air Force airborne and undersea assets).
• Operate and improve in-house and off-the-shelf SDR software and hardware to collect and analyze HF and VLF signals transmitted by our forces and by our adversaries and to detect sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Design and perform laboratory tests to assess and characterize receiver performance in the presence of various interference sources.
• Develop and implement signal processing techniques to improve signal reception and noise rejection.
• Contribute to system-level modeling and simulation efforts by analyzing experiment data in collaboration with software development team.

Qualifications

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

• A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, or another related technical discipline, OR a Master's degree in the same fields of study with at least five years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in radio propagation, digital signal processing (DSP), and communication theory, with a foundational knowledge of, and experience with, the physical, data link, and network layers.
• Experience with laboratory testing for communication systems including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, arbitrary waveform generators, oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, and test automation.
• Experience leading field-testing teams in one or more of the following: communication systems testing, propagation modeling, electromagnetic site surveys, EMI analysis, or related task.
• The ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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...

• At least ten years of experience in commercial and/or government communications engineering.
• Familiarity with some of the following: geolocation, detection and estimation theory, RF hardware including software-defined radios, waveform design, or antenna design.
• Extensive knowledge of VLF or HF band communications.
• A wide breadth and depth of RF systems knowledge.
• Vast experience developing capabilities on software-defined radio platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise with end-to-end RF system design.
• Extensive experience in modeling and simulation of electromagnetic propagation.
• An active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 [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.

Minimum Rate

$90,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$230,000 Annually