Rf Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RF Testing and Integration:

• Develop and execute RF test plans for spacecraft communications systems and ground stations
• Conduct antenna pattern measurements, gain measurements, and polarization testing
• Perform transmitter and receiver characterization including output power, spectral purity, sensitivity, and selectivity
• Conduct electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing to ensure compliance with space system requirements
• Support end-to-end communications system testing including compatibility testing between spacecraft and ground stations
• Operate RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and antenna test ranges
• Conduct data reduction and analysis of RF test results and provide recommendations

Spacecraft Integration and Launch Support:

• Support spacecraft RF subsystem integration including antenna installation, RF harnessing, and RF system checkout
• Conduct RF functional testing during spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities
• Support launch site integration activities including RF compatibility testing and communications verification
• Participate in pre-launch RF testing and day-of-launch communications system checkout
• Support resolution of RF-related anomalies during integration and test phases

Flight Operations Support:

• Support spacecraft on-orbit operations including communications troubleshooting and optimization
• Assist with antenna resource scheduling and coordination across multiple ground station networks
• Support communications anomaly investigation and resolution during flight operations
• Analyze on-orbit RF performance data including signal strength, link quality, and communications reliability
• Develop and implement communications system configuration changes to optimize performance
• Provide on-call support for mission-critical communications issues as required

Modeling and Simulation:

• Develop RF system models and simulations to evaluate communications architectures and performance
• Support hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing environments for communications systems
• Conduct RF propagation modeling and analysis for various orbital regimes and frequency bands
• Develop tools and scripts for automated RF analysis and performance prediction

Documentation and Collaboration:

• Prepare RF system documentation including design specifications, test procedures, interface control documents, and technical reports
• Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and program reviews
• Collaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, operations personnel, and external partners
• Support development of communications security (COMSEC) requirements and implementation
• Document lessons learned and contribute to RF engineering best practices

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field required
• Experience: 3-10 years of related experience
• Clearance Requirement: Secret, TS/SCI Preferred
• Required Skills:
• Strong knowledge of RF engineering principles including electromagnetic theory, transmission lines, antennas, and propagation
• Experience with communications system design including modulation, coding, and link analysis
• Proficiency with RF simulation and analysis tools (MATLAB, STK, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, CST, or similar)
• Experience with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and power meters
• Understanding of spacecraft communications systems and protocols
• Knowledge of antenna design and analysis for space applications
• Experience with link budget analysis and RF performance calculations
• Familiarity with space communication standards and protocols (CCSDS, SGLS, or similar)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Willingness to travel to other Government facilities, contractor locations, and launch sites as required

• Preferred Skills:
• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or ESPA-class spacecraft communications systems
• Familiarity with commercial and military satellite ground station operations
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing for space systems in accordance with MIL-STD-461 or similar standards
• Knowledge of software-defined radio (SDR) technology and implementation
• Experience with phased array antenna systems or adaptive antenna technologies
• Familiarity with space network architectures and space networking protocols
• Background in digital signal processing for communications applications
• Experience with optical communications systems or laser communications
• Knowledge of cryptographic systems and communications security (COMSEC) for space applications
• Experience with cloud-based ground system architectures and DevOps practices
• Prior experience supporting AFRL, DoD laboratories, or Air Force space programs
• Experience with mission operations center communications systems
• Professional engineering (PE) license or relevant RF/communications certifications
• Familiarity with aerospace standards:
  • MIL-STD-1540D (Product Verification Requirements for Space Vehicles)
  • MIL-STD-461 (Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics)
  • ECSS standards for space communications
    

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Office environment with occasional on-site work in data centers or with hardware systems.
• May require after-hours or weekend work to address critical system issues or deployments.
• Some travel may be necessary to support system installations or meet with stakeholders.
• Ability to work at a desk and operate a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of IT equipment or hardware components (up to 25 lbs).
  

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, typically working 40 hours per week. Overtime may be required depending on operational needs.