RF Design Engineer (HAM RADIO)

Job Title: RF Design Engineer (HAM RADIO)

Job Description

The RF Design Engineer will specialize in passive RF work, focusing on switching capacitors or inductors for antenna matching, reminiscent of traditional ham radio technology in the 2-30 MHz range. Key responsibilities include iterative prototyping, modular design, schematic and printed circuit board design of low complexity, and lab experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize passive RF designs for antenna matching within the 2-30 MHz frequency range.
• Engage in iterative prototyping and modular design processes.
• Create schematics and design low complexity printed circuit boards.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to test and refine designs.

Essential Skills

• Experience in high-frequency antenna matching design, either as a hobbyist or professional.
• Familiarity with BCAD tools, with a preference for Altium.
• Proficiency in circuit analysis tools such as LT Spice.
• Preferred educational experience: BSEE/MSEE with specialization in Electromagnetics or RF Design.
• High power design experience (500 Watt) below 100 MHz, ideally between 2 MHz and 30 MHz.
• Experience in antenna impedance matching.
• Knowledge of vacuum relays, high voltage MOSFETs, or RF PIN diode switches.
• High Frequency (2 MHz - 30 MHz) antenna design and matching experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Ansys HFSS, ADS, or Genesys is advantageous.
• Amateur Radio (Ham) radio enthusiasm or product design experience in RF design.
• Interest and hands-on experience in the specified frequency range.

Work Environment

The work environment is a heavy engineering design and manufacturing setting where all products are designed and manufactured in-house. The position is fully REMOTE, working within a team of 7 members responsible for digital hardware design for secure communications and SIGINT radio lines.

This is a Contract position based out of Germantown, MD.

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $96.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $72 - $96