Research Engineer - RF, photonic, mixed-signal

Overview

SRI is seeking a Research Engineer (Level I or II) onsite in Boulder, CO,  to support the design, development, and prototyping of advanced electronic and sensing systems. This role emphasizes PCB design, embedded hardware, RF/mixed-signal electronics, and hands-on laboratory development.

You will work within multidisciplinary teams to build real-time hardware systems for remote sensing and photonics applications, including radar, quantum sensing, photonics, and communications systems. This role is well-suited for engineers who enjoy hands-on development, rapid prototyping, and solving complex technical challenges.

This position is part of the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD), which develops innovative, high-performance technologies across domains including radar and electronic warfare, imaging, robotics, quantum sensing, and applied optics.

Responsibilities

Research Engineer I

Typical Experience: 0–2 years (or recent graduate with relevant internship/project experience)

• Contributes to hardware design, PCB layout, and system integration under guidance from senior engineers
• Supports prototyping, testing, and debugging of electronic systems in a laboratory environment
• Assists with schematic capture, component selection, and documentation
• Implements well-defined portions of embedded systems and interfaces
• Learns and applies RF, DSP, and system-level concepts to real-world problems
• Works primarily on defined tasks with increasing independence over time

Research Engineer II

Typical Experience: 2–5 years (or advanced degree with relevant experience)

• Independently designs and develops subsystems, including PCB design, embedded hardware, and RF/mixed-signal circuits
• Leads portions of system integration, test planning, and debugging efforts
• Makes architectural and design trade-off decisions within subsystems
• Contributes to embedded system development for real-time data acquisition and processing
• Applies DSP, RF, and system-level knowledge to solve complex engineering problems
• Mentors junior engineers and contributes to technical direction on small projects
• Communicates technical results to internal teams and external stakeholders

Key Responsibilities for the above:

• Design and develop RF and mixed-signal electronic systems, including transmit/receive chains, filtering, signal conditioning, and drivers/controls for photonic systems
• Design schematics and perform PCB layout for high-speed, mixed-signal, and RF circuits
• Develop and integrate embedded hardware systems for real-time data acquisition and control
• Prototype, test, and debug hardware using laboratory instrumentation (oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, signal generators)
• Perform RF and system-level characterization (e.g., S-parameters, noise figure, spectral analysis)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across software, firmware, mechanical, and systems engineering
• Support rapid prototyping from concept through demonstration and field testing
• Document designs, test procedures, and results in technical reports and presentations

Qualifications

Required:

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
• Experience with PCB design (schematic capture, layout, and routing) for mixed-signal and/or RF systems
• Experience with high-speed digital, controlled impedance design, and analog signal conditioning
• Proficiency in Python, C, C , or MATLAB
• Familiarity with communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART)
• Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation and hardware debugging
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally for testing or fieldwork

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) theory and implementation
• Experience with FPGA development and high-speed digital systems

• Experience with embedded programming in microcontrollers, software defined radios (SDRs), or graphics processing units (GPUs)

• Familiarity with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST)
• Experience with low-power or battery-operated systems
• Background in research, prototyping, or government-funded R&D
• Experience with networking systems or hardware/software integration
• Exposure to AI/ML applied to sensing or signal processing
• Familiarity with semiconductor devices (e.g., photodetectors, LEDs, lasers)
• Experience or interest in identifying and characterizing noise sources in sensing systems (particularly in low-SNR or difficult-to-amplify measurement regimes)
• Ability to differentiate contributions from electronic, optical, and environmental noise

What We Offer:

• Work on impactful, cutting-edge technologies in sensing, communications, and advanced electronics
• Collaborative, mission-driven research environment
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Opportunities for technical growth and leadership

The salary range is: Engineer I - $63,873-$95013; Engineer II - $81,522-$121,266 . Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

Salary : $63,873 - $121,266