Senior RF Network Engineer

LCS Defense; Aberdeen (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LCS Defense in Aberdeen, MD is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to advance tactical radio systems, including 4G/5G interfaces, waveform development, and secure communications for DoD environments.

You will lead SME efforts, prototype RF architectures, perform EMC analyses, and coordinate with vendors and USG stakeholders to deliver secure, interoperable solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of RF engineering experience
• Secret/Top Secret clearance or equivalent
• Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering/Physics/Science/Technology/Mathematics
• Experience with 4G/5G and tactical environments

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME on advanced waveform analysis, TRANSEC techniques, and RF propagation using MATLAB, Python, and SignalHound
• Architect and prototype end-to-end RF systems in a lab, using SDR platforms and test enclosures
• Lead test plan design for tactical radio systems focusing on interoperability, security, and performance
• Collaborate with vendors, PMs, and USG stakeholders to deliver secure RF capabilities to warfighters
• Spearhead integration and security assessment of 5G in tactical environments with TRANSEC and waveform obfuscation
• Mentor junior engineers to foster RF excellence and continuous learning
• Validate input data, devise methodology, and ensure quality of technical outputs
• Represent Army interests in working groups and brief complex findings to peers and leadership

Skills

4G/5G cellular

EMC analysis

MATLAB

Python

COTS RF simulation

Waveform development

RF propagation

COMSEC principles

STK/EDX Signal Pro

Technical briefing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering/Physics/Science/Technology/Mathematics

Tools

STK

Visualyse Professional

Builder

EDX Signal Pro

Job description

Senior RF Engineer

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Experience with 4G/5G cellular technologies, architecture, and RF interfaces, particularly their application in tactical or secure environments.
• Ability to clearly present technical topics in high-pressure situations such as technical committees of peers
• 2+ years of experience conducting Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) analyses for DoD spectrum-dependent systems
• Experience in MATLAB, Python, or programming languages suitable to augment or enhance COTS RF simulation capabilities
• Knowledge of current high assurance and SBU-E radio requirements to include Silvus, Persistent Systems, L3Harris, Thales, Trellisware.
• Knowledge with pLEO capabilities to include Starshield, SDA, etc..
• In-depth knowledge of waveform development and analysis
• Knowledge of HOW radios communicate with each other, to include messaging formats and waveform propagation information.
• Familiarity with COMSEC principles as they apply to tactical systems.
• Experience utilizing Systems Tool Kit (STK), Visualyse Professional, Builder, or EDX Signal Pro
• Knowledge of DoW, Department of the Army, or other Service branch spectrum-dependent mission systems such as those used for radionavigation and communications
• Knowledge of RF protocols and propagation models
• Knowledge of the NTIA Redbook Table of Allocations and associated regulatory framework
• Communication and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to brief technical topics to both expert and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on advanced waveform analysis, TRANSEC techniques, and RF propagation, utilizing tools like MATLAB, Python, and SignalHound to capture and analyze signals.
• Architect and prototype end-to-end RF systems in a lab environment, using SDR platforms, Faraday enclosures, and other test equipment to validate new solutions and identify security gaps.
• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive test plans for tactical radio systems, including SBU-E and High-Assurance radios, focusing on interoperability, security, and performance in contested EW environments.
• Collaborate with vendors, Program Managers, and other USG stakeholders to ensure the secure and rapid delivery of cutting‑edge RF capabilities to the warfighter.
• Spearhead the integration and security assessment of 5G technologies into the tactical environment, including developing and prototyping innovative TRANSEC and waveform obfuscation techniques.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of RF excellence and continuous learning.
• You will be responsible for everything from validating input data, devising a methodology, and ensuring the quality of technical outputs to concisely and clearly convey results
• Represent the Army's interests in technical working groups and committees, clearly and concisely presenting complex technical findings and strategic recommendations to peers and senior leadership.

Requirements

• TS/ SCI clearance
• 10+ years of experience with Radio Frequency (RF) engineering
• In-depth knowledge of modern tactical radio systems (e.g., Silvus, Persistent Systems, L3Harris, Thales) and waveforms (e.g., TSM, WREN, SATURN).
• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Science, Technology, or Mathematics

Requirements

We are seeking a Senior RF Engineer with:

• Knowledge of Experience with 4G/5G cellular technologies, architecture, and RF interfaces, particularly their application in tactical or secure environments.
• Ability to clearly present technical topics in high-pressure situations such as technical committees of peers
• 2+ years of experience conducting Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) analyses for DoD spectrum-dependent systems
• Experience in MATLAB, Python, or programming languages suitable to augment or enhance COTS RF simulation capabilities