RF Hardware Engineer

Job Title: RF Hardware Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled RF Engineer with extensive experience in the design and development of advanced RF circuits and products. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in RF Front End architectures—covering everything between the antenna and the digitizer—and will bring proven expertise in designing up/down converters, amplifiers, filters, and related RF subsystems. Experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of complex RF circuits and subsystems, including up/down converters, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, filters, and other RF Front End components.
• Contribute to system-level architecture decisions, ensuring optimal performance from the antenna through the digitizer.
• Develop RF system block diagrams, schematics, and simulations to validate design concepts.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and troubleshooting of RF hardware.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (digital, mechanical, software, and systems) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support design reviews, technical proposals, and documentation in compliance with defense and aerospace standards.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Engage with customers and internal stakeholders to define requirements and ensure successful program execution.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in RF circuit and product design.
• Demonstrated expertise with RF Front Ends (antenna through digitizer).
• Strong expertise in designing RF subsystems such as up/down converters, amplifiers, and filters.
• Proficiency with RF design tools (ADS, Microwave Office, HFSS, CST, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and signal generators.
• Prior experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry.
• Strong knowledge of RF test methods, compliance standards, and rugged/mil-spec hardware environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with MMIC design (not required but a plus).
• Familiarity with system integration of RF modules into larger SATCOM, radar, or EW systems.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, or equivalent.

Work Environment

Our client provides solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD) and Aerospace markets across various disciplines. Their Aerospace and Defense division currently provides products and services across four product lines: Advanced Systems, RF Front Ends, Mixed Signal and Digital Solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.11 - $86.50/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Frederick,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 5, 2025.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $72 - $87