Sr. RF Hardware Engineer

Ideal Innovations Inc.; Adelphi (MD); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal Innovations, Inc. seeks an experienced RF Engineer to support hands-on laboratory testing, RF system characterization, and signal analysis for sensing applications. The role requires proficiency with RF lab equipment and experience across hardware and software environments in a lab setting.

Preferred background includes radar, EW, or sensor systems, plus engagement with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and SDR-based development in a multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
• Solid RF theory foundation with system-level experience.
• Proficient with RF lab equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Ability to diagnose RF performance issues through measurement-driven analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support hands-on laboratory testing and RF system characterization.
• Perform signal processing, waveform analysis, and data interpretation.
• Collaborate across hardware and software environments in a lab setting.
• Contribute to defense/radar/sensor systems projects.

Skills

RF engineering

Lab testing

Signal analysis

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

Altium

Slack

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Network analyzer

Spectrum analyzer

Oscilloscope

SDR

Job description

Highlights:

• In this multi-year project, you will help develop state-of-the-art systems that detect threat objects before they can cause harm. The system will help solve an urgent need to protect US military and civilian personnel abroad and at home.
• You will be part of a dynamic team of engineers, scientists and programmers. You will work with one of the nation’s premier laboratories alongside top-notch talent from the civilian, contractor and military sectors, and you will have access to advanced test equipment and analysis software.
• In this project, you will help develop a system-of-systems (SoS) approach that fuses data from radars and other sensors to provide real-time detection of threats. Your work will employ field data collections to obtain data for machine learning, and you will be involved in designing the system from the ground up.
• By applying your hands-on knowledge of RF hardware and system integration, you will play a direct role in transitioning this technology from the laboratory to the battlefield.
• In this role, you will build your strengths in designing, building and testing RF systems. You will be exposed to new analysis tools, test equipment and test methods. Each day will present a new opportunity to learn and grow. Professional development is encouraged and expected at I-3.

Typical Day:

A typical day will be spent in the office and lab, involving a wide variety of activities such as design and analysis, testing and evaluation of RF devices, customer meetings and design review meetings.

Tasks:

• We are seeking an experienced RF Engineer to support hands-on laboratory testing, RF system characterization, and signal analysis for sensing applications.
• The ideal candidate will have strong experience using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and software-defined radios (SDRs) to evaluate RF performance and troubleshoot complex systems.
• This role includes signal processing, waveform analysis, test execution, and data interpretation in support of development and prototyping efforts.
• Candidates should be comfortable working across hardware and software environments and contributing to technical problem-solving in a lab setting.
• Experience with defense, radar, EW, communications, or sensor systems is highly desired.
• Preferred skills:
• RF lab testing and measurement
• Network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, and oscilloscope experience
• SDR-based development and testing
• Signal processing and waveform analysis

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Solid foundation in RF theory, with practical experience at the system level.
• Demonstrated proficiency using RF lab equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve RF performance issues through measurement-driven analysis.

Desired Qualifications:

• Enrolled in MS-EE program
• Application of machine learning algorithms and AI for data analysis and intelligent systems.
• Proficient with MATLAB, GIT, LabVIEW, Python, Altium, Slack

Position Type Shift Information:

• Full-time; 8 hour work days

ship: ship required

Clearance: Ability to obtain clearance required

Location: Adelphi, MD (On-site with remote work when appropriate)

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.