Job Description

Are you experienced with RF and wireless electronics and systems?

Are you interested in contributing to the development of RF/ optical systems, payloads, and electronics for space?

Are you passionate about teaming and driving technology and science to new levels?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking an RF engineer to design, analyze and develop RF and optical systems and payloads for NASA and DOD 's next generation space missions. You 'll be joining a hard-working team of engineers who thrive on making critical contributions to our Nation's critical challenges. Our culture embraces our core values of unquestionable integrity, trusted service to our nation, world-class expertise, game-changing impact, highly collaborative, and even fun environment!

As an RF Systems Engineer...

• You will perform conceptual systems design, simulation, link analysis, hardware trade studies, technical tradeoffs, and costing for satellite communications, RF systems, free-space optical systems, and RF payload design concepts for both space and ground segments.
• You will work with mission and spacecraft systems engineers, scientists, peer subsystem engineers, and project management in overall mission or payload development and execution from concept to launch, including technical concept design, requirements, development phases, technical reviews, budget development and schedule.
• You will lead technical teams throughout the RF systems or payload development cycle, including concept, trade studies, prototype work, flight development, integration, and test.
• You will assist project and program management in sponsor engagement.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Have 5+ years direct experience in RF or optical communications systems or payload design, development, simulation (MATLAB, SystemVue, or equivalent) and operations.
• Have experience in wireless hardware or modem design and/or testing.
• Are willing and able to accommodate flexible hours for spacecraft level testing activities for short periods of time, infrequent travel to customer or sponsor locations as well as spacecraft integration and test sites.
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering with previous RF systems or payload design leadership experience.
• Have experience with software-defined radios (SDR), antennas, RF characterization and measurements to Ka-band or beyond, optical, radar systems design, or military satellite communications systems.
• Ability to work independently without technical oversight.
• Other key skills: Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) design, RF / microwave circuit design, Digital Signal Processing DSP, SIGINT, Precision Timing, Time Transfer, and Radar Design

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these missions and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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