RF Hardware Engineer

Highlights:

• In this multi-year project, you will help develop state-of-the-art systems that detect threat objects before they can cause harm. The system will help solve an urgent need to protect US military and civilian personnel abroad and at home.
• You will be part of a dynamic team of engineers, scientists and programmers. You will work with one of the nation's premier laboratories alongside top-notch talent from the civilian, contractor and military sectors, and you will have access to advanced test equipment and analysis software.
• In this project, you will help develop a system-of-systems (SoS) approach that fuses data from radars and other sensors to provide real-time detection of threats. Your work will employ field data collections to obtain data for machine learning, and you will be involved in designing the system from the ground up.
• By applying your hands-on knowledge of RF hardware and system integration, you will play a direct role in transitioning this technology from the laboratory to the battlefield.
• In this role, you will build your strengths in designing, building and testing RF systems. You will be exposed to new analysis tools, test equipment and test methods. Each day will present a new opportunity to learn and grow. Professional development is encouraged and expected at I-3.

Typical Day:

• A typical day will be spent in the office and lab, involving a wide variety of activities such as design and analysis, testing and evaluation of algorithms and data visualization tools, customer meetings and design review meetings.

Tasks:

We are seeking a Radio-Frequency (RF) Hardware Engineer with a strong system-level orientation to support the development, integration, and validation of RF hardware platforms. This role focuses on hands-on RF measurement, characterization, and troubleshooting of complete RF systems rather than detailed design of amplifiers or PCBs.

• Perform system-level integration, testing, and characterization of RF subsystems.

• Configure and operate RF test and measurement equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and related lab instrumentation.

• Characterize RF performance metrics such as gain, noise figure, linearity, phase noise, spurious emissions, and spectral compliance.

• Work with software-defined radios (SDRs) to evaluate, debug, and optimize RF signal chains in both laboratory and system environments.

• Support RF system troubleshooting across hardware, firmware, and signal-processing boundaries.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, firmware, DSP, test) to resolve RF performance issues and improve overall system behavior.

• Document test procedures, results, and recommendations in clear technical reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline and 5+ years of experience.

• Solid foundation in RF and microwave theory, with practical experience at the system level.

• Demonstrated proficiency using RF lab equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes.

• Experience working with software-defined radio platforms and RF signal chains.

• Ability to diagnose and resolve RF performance issues through measurement-driven analysis.

Desired Qualifications:

• Will consider candidates with advanced degrees (MS or PhD). Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

• Experience with RF system integration, validation, or test engineering in a prototype environment.

• Exposure to mixed-signal systems where RF hardware interacts closely with digital and software components.

This role is NOT primarily focused on discrete RF amplifier design, low-level circuit design, or detailed PCB layout. While general awareness of these areas is beneficial, the primary emphasis is on RF hardware at the system and subsystem level, measurement, and performance validation.

Position Type Shift Information:

• 8 Hour Work Day
• Hybrid but mostly on-site at Adelphi Lab Center

US Citizenship & US Clearance: US citizenship is required. Candidates should possess or be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Location: Hybrid but mostly on-site at Adelphi Lab Center, Adelphi, MD

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.