Contractual Programmatic Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Product Line Lead (PLL) to drive the vision, execution, and technical execution of our radar product portfolios. These individuals will work closely with the Market Segment Leads and own the product lifecycle from concept through end-of-life and be responsible for defining the strategy, roadmap, business case, and program execution for a portfolio of technologies that support current and next-generation radar missions.

Key Responsibilities

Capture & Proposal Support

• Support business development in shaping and winning new opportunities
• Lead preparation of proposals and RFIs, ensuring strong technical approach, product positioning, and alignment with customer needs

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, business development, supply chain, to ensure alignment and timely execution of product plans

Product Lifecycle

• Leads or supports multi-disciplinary project teams for production transition, and/or internal development efforts with significant autonomy delegated by the market segment lead

Product Line Strategy

• Define and maintain a product roadmap aligned with customer needs, emerging threats, and company capabilities

Required Education and Experience

• Must have U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Experience with RF devices such as amplifiers, attenuators, phase shifters, and mixers
• Experience with RF signal budget analysis for system metrics such as gain, noise figure, and power
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and programs
• Experience working with interdepartmental teams (e.g., program management, contracts, engineering) to align technical execution with strategic objectives and contractual requirements
• Strong analytical and hardware troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency in a technical programming language such as Python
• Proficiency with RF test equipment including network analyzers and spectrum analyzers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts to customers, peers, and management
• Experience with printed circuit board layout and assembly (especially Altium Designer)
• Up to date with advancements in RF technology and industry trends, and incorporate relevant innovations into our design processes

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• RF front-end design
• Antenna design and testing
• Electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, FEKO, CST, or Microwave Office
• Phased Arrays: Proven experience with phased array antenna systems, including design, integration, or operational use
• RF Systems: Strong knowledge of RF systems and digital signal processing, with familiarity in electronic attack and electronic defense techniques
• Education: Advanced degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience: 10+ years of relevant industry experience, ideally within defense, aerospace, or high-tech sectors

Other Duties

The Product Line Lead develops project plans and engages directly with customers on both technical and programmatic topics. Program managers will provide contractual and programmatic oversight, allowing the PLL to focus on product strategy and execution. This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for the role. Responsibilities may evolve at any time with or without notice to meet business needs.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Typical office hours include Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm; however, these hours may vary based on workload and the manager’s discretion.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. The employee will also regularly be seated at a desk and using a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About FIRST RF

FIRST RF is a fast-growing, multi-discipline, privately owned small business focused on engineering and manufacturing of advanced technologies - specifically in antennas and radio frequency (RF) systems. We are an energetic team empowered with world-class facilities and resources. We promote a culture which prioritizes innovation and responsiveness. By making bold investments in the development of groundbreaking technologies, FIRST RF has fielded award-winning products ranging from revolutionary passive antennas to highly complex, active antenna systems.

Benefits Summary

We offer all employees four weeks of PTO each year, flexible scheduling, hybrid work, tuition reimbursement, up to 6% 401(k) match, and healthcare, dental, and vision plans.

AAP/EEO Statement

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, assignment, re-assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, and termination. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.  We support protected veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.