Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Maryland

Job Description

We are seeking a Hardware Engineer to join our team and be responsible for for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, with a focus on SATCOM components and devices operating in various frequency bands, including but not limited to C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band.

This role does require OCONUS/CONUS travel.

The primary functions of the Hardware Engineer position include:

● RF Design and Design, install, and test RF / SATCOM hardware (C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, Q/V‑band) while accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain‑fade, and polarization‑mismatch effects.

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

● Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot on‑the‑spot malfunctions; apply anti‑jamming techniques and enforce safety/maintenance procedures.

● Use Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S‑parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase‑noise, group‑delay, and perform non‑linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).

● Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and technical design packages;

● Prepare engineering plans, as‑built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records; coordinate with cross‑functional teams (system architects, PMs, test sites).

● Travel up‑to 15 % worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance.

Education/Experience

Fourteen (14) years experience as a HE analyzing complex hardware systems for SIGINT solutions is required. Bachelor’s degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Salary: $170,000-$190,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position, but is not guaranteed. Salary is based on experience, location and contractual requirements which could fall outside of the range listed.

, Required Skills

● 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 authoring safety‑rule documentation.

● Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.

● Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.

● Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.

● Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware.

● Knowledgeable of RF design, installation, and test, with a focus on SATCOM systems.

, Desired Skills

● Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar field.

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

● Expertise in AutoCAD, Visio (or equivalent) for creating schematics, block diagrams, and layout drawings.

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

● Knowledge of RF distribution, RF Switching, low power amplifiers, power supplies, and BITE solutions.

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

● Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation; familiar with Air Force, Army, Navy, and joint maintenance management procedures.

● Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.

● Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, and implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.

● Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.

● Commitment to continuous learning; staying current with emerging SATCOM technologies, standards, and communication techniques (ie. 5G, frequency reuse, etc.)

, About Tensley Consulting, Inc.
About TensleyTensley Consulting is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business focused on mission engineering in support of the United States Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense. Our team consists of System Engineers, Software Engineers, Test Engineers, and Signals Analysts performing work throughout the Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS).
Equal Opportunity, Diversity InclusionWe aim to build a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We embrace inclusion and ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other personal characteristic.
Benefits Include
100% paid medical coverage with HSA and company contribution
100% paid vision, dental, short-term, and long-term premium
12% 401(k) contribution (not a match)
Education and training budget
6 weeks and 3 days of PTO
And much more!
Come grow with us!