Space Payload RF Engineer, Lead

Booz Allen Hamilton; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton in Chantilly, VA is seeking an experienced Space Payload RF Engineer, Lead to design, develop, integrate, and test mission-critical RF space vehicle payloads. You will guide RF subsystem architecture, antenna and front-end development, and SDR-based capabilities for robust performance in harsh space environments.

You’ll mentor junior engineers, collaborate with spacecraft disciplines, and ensure mission assurance per AS9100 standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of RF/microwave circuit design experience (amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, filters, antennas)
• Experience designing or integrating RF hardware for space payloads plus testing and optimization
• Experience with EM simulation for RF design
• Experience with RF measurement tools (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators)
• Familiarity with design/simulation tools (AWR, HFSS, FEKO) and AS9100 standards; ability to troubleshoot RF hardware; capable of multi-tasking in a team environment; TS clearance; Bachelor's degree

Responsibilities

• Lead RF subsystem architecture from concept to flight-ready implementation
• Drive RF circuit and antenna design, SDR-based capabilities, and verification activities
• Collaborate with spacecraft subsystems to ensure mission assurance and environmental performance
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering rigor and innovation

Skills

RF design

Microwave engineering

SNR/NF metrics

Antenna design

EM simulation

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AWR Microwave Office

HFSS

FEKO

MATLAB

Python

GitHub

Job description

The Opportunity: Are you ready to lead the design, development, integration, and test of mission‑critical RF payloads that will define the next generation of space vehicles? As an RF engineer, you understand how complex RF, microwave, and software‑defined radio systems come together to enable resilient and high‑performance space missions. That expertise becomes essential as you architect and guide the development of advanced RF space vehicle payloads, integrate space‑qualified components across wide frequency ranges, and ensure reliable performance under the stringent constraints of the space environment.

Job Number: R0248195

Space Payload RF Engineer, Lead

At Booz Allen, you’ll apply your RF engineering experience to shape RF mission payloads designed to dynamically adapt to support custom waveforms. Our team develops mission‑focused space technologies, from RF architecture and link analysis to payload integration, bus interfaces, and end‑to‑end system modeling. That's why we need you, an experienced RF payload leader who can drive RF subsystem architecture, guide antenna and front‑end development, and collaborate closely with spacecraft subsystem engineering disciplines to build a payload that meets demanding standards and mission assurance requirements for space vehicles.

On our team, you’ll lead technical efforts from concept through flight‑ready implementation, including RF circuit and antenna design, integration of SDR‑based capabilities, and verification activities supporting environmental, functional, and performance testing. Your work will directly impact the mission by enabling adaptable RF mission applications and reliable performance across evolving scenarios. You’ll also mentor junior engineers, strengthen engineering rigor efforts, and help identify innovative opportunities that accelerate the mission’s technical roadmap. Take on this challenge in the rapidly evolving space sector as we advance resilient and scalable RF space payload capabilities that support mission critical objectives.

You Have:

• 5+ years of experience with RF or microwave circuit design, including amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, filters, and antennas and metrics such as SNR and NF
• Experience designing custom RF hardware or integrating COTS RF hardware through simulation, fabrication, testing, and optimization stages of product development for Space Payloads
• Experience with advanced RF or microwave design techniques such as electromagnetic (EM) simulation
• Experience with RF measurement and testing tools, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators
• Experience with design and RF simulation tools such as AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, or FEKO
• Knowledge of AS9100 standards, mission assurance practices, and space hardware workmanship guidelines
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug RF hardware
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines and work in a team environment
• Top Secret clearance
• Bachelor's degree

Nice If You Have:

• Experience with national security satellite systems for SIGINT or GEOINT
• Experience leading and managing small to medium-sized engineering teams
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and GitHub for signal processing applications, software, and algorithm development
• Experience with descriptive MBSE tools such as Cameo Enterprise Architecture
• Knowledge of lab automation and scripting to streamline testing processes and data acquisition
• Possession of excellent verbal and written communication skills
• TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred; Master's degree in Engineering a plus

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Top Secret clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well‑being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work‑life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full‑time and part‑time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in–person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.