Senior RF Integration & Test Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper seeks a Senior/Principal RF Engineer in Cambridge, MA to lead development, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of RF communications and sensor systems. You will apply RF design knowledge, mitigate noise, and drive EMI/grounding solutions with lab bench and field testing.

The role requires extensive hands-on testing, experience with ferrite beads, baluns, shielding, and antenna characterization, plus collaboration with software and hardware teams. US government clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert level system test and troubleshooting using signal generators, vector network analyzers, signal analyzers, E-field and B-field sensors
• Integration and test of passive LF/HF high power, standard and electrically small antennas and optimization of matching networks
• Anechoic chamber testing
• Support and/or lead engineering teams for in-house and local field testing of electromagnetic field propagation, antenna and communication link performance
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt to changes in requirements
• Perform analysis and modeling of RF hardware, provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback

Skills

RF design

EMC/EMI knowledge

Anechoic chamber testing

System test and troubleshooting

Mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ADS

AWR

HFSS

MATLAB

Python

VNA operation

Job description

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

A Senior/Principal Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer responsible for development, integration, testing and troubleshooting of RF communications and sensor systems. The RF engineer is expected to demonstrate strong understanding of RF and Electromagnetic principles. This is a very hands-on position, requiring expertise in characterizing RF device signal and noise, and mitigation noise leakage, EMI and grounding issues in transmitter/receiver circuitry. Following identification of noise issues, the RF engineer is responsible for driving noise mitigation solutions through utilization of RF design tools and hands-on lab bench integration and test, as well as applying experience utilizing ferrite beads, RF chokes and baluns, RF shielding and Faraday cages. Key tasks include supporting and/or leading in-house testing and local field testing of electromagnetic field propagation, antenna characterization and communication link performance. The role requires excellent communication skills and ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary groups, including software and hardware engineering.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide expert level system test and troubleshooting using signal generators, vector network analyzers, signal analyzers, E-field and B-field sensors
• Integration and test of passive LF/HF high power, standard and electrically small antennas as well as optimization of associated matching networks
• Anechoic chamber testing
• Support and/or lead engineering teams for in-house and local field testing of electromagnetic field propagation, antenna and communication link performance
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
• Perform analysis and modeling of RF hardware, provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback

Skills/Abilities

• Extensive experience utilizing ferrite beads, RF chokes and baluns in radio and antenna systems
• Experienced with capacitive and inductive coupling
• Experienced with RF shielding and EMI characterization
• Experienced writing software scripts to interface with and capture data from test equipment
• Very experienced with RF active and passive circuits and components (LNAs, filters, mixers, etc.)
• Advanced knowledge of electrical noise, linearity, stability, etc.
• Skilled with the following tools:
  • RF software tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, or similar)
  • MATLAB or Python
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willingness to work in highly collaborative team environment
• Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details

Education

Requires bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

Requires 5-10 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description

Candidates selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Job Location - City

Cambridge

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$82,300.00 - $245,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].