Senior RF Engineer, Space RF Systems

AeroVironment, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 91,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to join the Space RF Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (SEIT) Team as an electromagnetics and RF SME.

You will develop RF models, designs, and simulations for satellite-focused programs, interfacing with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Responsibilities include creating microwave PCB layouts, evaluating over-the-air performance, and leading root-cause analyses on prototype hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• 8+ years of RF engineering experience.
• Experience developing RF models.
• Experience using Matlab, Simulink, HFSS, ADS, Python, or similar tools.
• Solid understanding of phased array and antenna theory.
• Deep understanding of transmission line theory in support of PCB development.

Responsibilities

• Evolve RF modeling and simulations using high-performance computing.
• Develop detailed RF characterizations for multiple projects.
• Collaborate with engineers to enable best use of products across two new commercial lines.
• Produce designs consistent with RF engineering best practices and rigor.
• Interpreting RF design data to produce papers and stakeholder presentations.
• Lead root-cause analysis for issues during development/testing of prototype hardware.

Skills

RF engineering

Phased arrays

Antenna theory

Transmission lines

Modeling

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Matlab

Simulink

HFSS

ADS

Python

Job description

Worker Type

Regular Job Description Summary We're seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior RF Engineer to join our Space RF Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (SEIT) Team as an electromagnetics and RF engineering subject matter expert (SME). Our exciting programs will revolutionize how we connect with satellite and other assets, enabling faster and more secure data transmission. You will act as an electromagnetics and RF engineering SME performing and leading RF based engineering tasks for multiple projects primarily using your skills to develop RF models and simulations of our products under development. You will interface and coordinate with multiple external and internal organizations including stakeholders and other engineering disciplines. You may be asked to head special RF projects or tasks.

Position Responsibilities

In this role, you will participate in evolving the state of the art in high fidelity RF modeling and simulations. You will work on a team utilizing high-performance computing environments to develop detailed RF characterizations and designs that support a variety of applications. In addition, you will collaborate with model and design users and systems engineers to enable best use of the products in support of our two (2) new commercial product lines under development. You will produce designs consistent with good RF engineering practice and rigor.

Typical tasks may include:

• Working with the Program Manager, Chief Engineer, and other engineering team members to understand and develop the needed RF models.
• Producing phased array and antenna system designs that are physically realizable and consistent with good RF engineering practice and rigor.
• Creating microwave printed circuit board (PCB) layouts
• Analyzing device RF characteristics, perform RF system design, and/or predict over-the-air performance.
• Leading root cause analysis for technical issues encountered during development/testing of prototype hardware.
• Interpreting RF design information and measurement data to author white papers, progress reports, technical design documents, and stakeholder presentations at the appropriate level of detail for audiences of varying technical proficiency.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Competencies)

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• 8+ years of RF Engineering experience.
• Experience developing RF models.
• Experience using Matlab, Simulink, HFSS, ADS, Python, or similar tools.
• Solid understanding of phased array and antenna theory.
• Deep understanding of transmission line theory in support of PCB development.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent technical field.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office, laboratory, and production environment (constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent)

Clearance Level Top Secret

The salary range for this role is: $91,000 - $138,750

Benefits:

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
• We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission‑obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission‑obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Career at AeroVironment