RF Hardware Engineer 

Location: On‑site
Travel: Up to 15% worldwide
 Clearance: TS/SCI with Poly

We are seeking a highly skilled GG RF Hardware Engineer to design, install, test, and maintain advanced RF and SATCOM systems across multiple frequency bands, including C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, and Q/V‑band. This role is hands‑on, field‑ready, and central to ensuring the performance, reliability, and mission readiness of global SATCOM capabilities. The ideal candidate thrives in complex RF environments, collaborates seamlessly with cross‑functional teams, and is comfortable supporting installations and testing in remote or austere locations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, install, and test RF/SATCOM hardware across C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, and Q/V‑bands, accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain‑fade, and polarization mismatch.

• Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, rack/align hardware, and operate earth‑terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide‑band satellite communication links.

• Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance, troubleshoot real‑time malfunctions, apply anti‑jamming techniques, and enforce safety and maintenance procedures.

• Utilize advanced RF test equipment—including Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers—to measure S‑parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase noise, group delay, and conduct nonlinear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).

• Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and complete technical design packages.

• Prepare engineering plans, as‑built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records; coordinate with system architects, program managers, and test sites.

• Travel up to 15% worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or challenging environments.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.

• Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and writing safety‑rule documentation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce technical reports, engineering plans, and briefings for multi‑service audiences.

• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex RF hardware, analyze data outputs, and implement corrective actions that improve system performance and maintainability.

• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring ability—capable of leading inspection teams, supervising maintenance activities, and training site personnel.

• Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, rack hardware, and work safely in field environments.

• Solid knowledge of RF design, installation, and testing, with emphasis on SATCOM systems.

• Willingness to travel up to 15% internationally.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.

• Advanced proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, and other RF test instrumentation.

• Expertise in AutoCAD, Visio, or equivalent tools for schematics, block diagrams, and layout drawings.

• Strong ability to perform antenna‑pattern, G/T, and link‑budget analyses, including rain‑fade, pointing‑error, and polarization‑mismatch considerations.

• Knowledge of RF distribution, RF switching, low‑power amplifiers, power supplies, and BITE solutions.

• Programming/scripting experience in Python or VBA for instrument control, data acquisition, and API integration (e.g., automating PNA‑X measurements).

• Familiarity with Air Force, Army, Navy, and joint maintenance management procedures.

• Excellent communication skills with experience producing technical reports and engineering documentation for multi‑service audiences.

• Proven track record of troubleshooting complex RF hardware and implementing performance‑enhancing corrective actions.

• Demonstrated leadership in supervising maintenance teams and training personnel.

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with emerging SATCOM technologies, including 5G, frequency reuse, and evolving communication standards.