RF Engineer

Job Summary

The Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer supports the design, analysis, testing, and operation of RF communications systems for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on spacecraft communications systems, ground station networks, antenna systems, and RF testing for missions ranging from Cube Sats to ESPA‑class satellites. The position provides hands‑on RF engineering support throughout the space mission lifecycle from concept development through on‑orbit operations.

Please note this position is contingent upon program award.

• RF systems design and analysis:
  Design and analyze spacecraft and ground‑based RF communications systems, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and RF subsystems for spaceflight missions.
• Ground station development:
  Support design, integration, and testing of ground station infrastructure, commercial ground station interfaces, and antenna networks for mission operations.
• RF testing and integration:
  Conduct RF testing including link performance testing, antenna pattern measurements, EMI/EMC testing, and communications system validation.
• Communications link analysis:
  Perform link budget analysis, interference analysis, frequency coordination, and RF performance predictions for space‑to‑ground communications.

This position requires strong RF engineering fundamentals, hands‑on experience with communications systems, and the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) supporting innovative space technology experiments for the Department of Defense.

• RF System Design and Development:
  • Design and analyze RF communications systems for spacecraft, payloads, and ground stations supporting space technology experiments.
  • Develop RF subsystem designs including antennas, transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, filters, and RF distribution networks.
  • Support spacecraft communications subsystem design for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems.
  • Perform RF circuit design, analysis, and simulation using industry‑standard tools.
  • Design and specify antennas for spacecraft and ground applications including patch, helical, horn, and phased array antennas.
  • Support communications payload development for experimental missions.
• Communications Link Analysis:
  • Perform communications link budget analysis for space‑to‑ground and space‑to‑space links.
  • Conduct RF performance predictions including sensitivity analysis, margin analysis, and availability calculations.
  • Analyze modulation schemes, coding techniques, and data rate optimization for mission requirements.
  • Evaluate antenna gain patterns, polarization, and coverage analysis.
  • Perform frequency coordination and interference analysis to ensure spectrum compatibility.
  • Support development of communications concepts of operations (CONOPS) and requirements.
• Ground Station Development and Integration:
  • Support design and integration of ground station infrastructure including antennas, RF front‑ends, and signal processing equipment.
  • Coordinate with commercial ground station providers for mission support capabilities.
  • Support on‑boarding and integration with various antenna networks including Satellite Control Network (SCN), commercial networks, and AFRL ground stations.
  • Maintain and upgrade Mission Operations Center RF equipment and connections.
  • Support development and deployment of disaggregated ground networks and cloud‑based ground system architectures.
  • Implement and test ground system RF interfaces and protocols.
• 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…