RF Engineer

RF Engineer

AstriON is seeking an RF Engineer to support space-based RF hardware development and EMI/EMC testing activities for advanced research programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate in Albuquerque, NM. This position offers a hands-on opportunity to work on AFRL space vehicle and ground systems, contributing to lab testing, advising on RF hardware selection, technical documentation, and occasional advisement on spectrum coordination across military, government, and industry stakeholders.

Required qualifications/skills:

• U.S. citizenship required
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, RF Engineering, or a related discipline with an RF focus
• 3+ years of hands-on engineering and/or testing experience with radio-frequency systems
• Experience planning and conducting RF lab and/or field tests, including data acquisition and analysis
• Proficiency with RF test equipment, including:
• Spectrum analyzers
• Vector network analyzers (VNAs)
• Signal generators
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data modeling and analysis
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC testing concepts (especially MIL-STD-461)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Attention to detail in testing and documentation processes

Preferred qualifications/skills:

• Experience supporting DoD space programs, particularly in PNT or small satellite systems
• Experience with RF system calibration and ESD best practices
• Previous work in classified or secure lab environments
• Demonstrated ability to support multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Prior involvement with EMI/EMC lab setups, equipment selection, and testing
• Ability to adapt quickly between lab tasks, documentation, and coordination with external partners
• Familiarity with frequency management tools: DD Form 1494, EL-CID, Spectrum XXI

Responsibilities:

• Set up, calibrate, and operate RF test configurations for lab and field environments
• Conduct testing of RF components, subsystems, and full systems
• Perform EMI/EMC testing to MIL-STD-461 standards
• Analyze RF test data and present findings to engineering teams and stakeholders
• Support verification and validation (V&V) of hardware to meet program requirements
• Contribute to test planning, execution, and technical documentation
• Participate in design reviews and review vendor test plans and deliverables
• Enforce and maintain lab safety protocols and recommend process improvements
• Assist in post-delivery testing of flight and ground hardware
• Support spectrum certification and frequency coordination for AFRL programs
• This may include:
• Prepare and submit DD Form 1494s using EL-CID and Spectrum XXI
• Coordinate with stakeholders including NASA, AFSMO, DoC, SMC, and AFSPC
• Advise and/or manage local spectrum usage for terrestrial system testing

Work environment:

• Primarily located in a research and development lab with hands-on testing
• Use of advanced RF equipment: VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators
• Occasional office-based work for analysis, documentation, and reporting
• Occasional physical activity: lifting equipment up to 125 lbs (with assistance), use of ladders, carts, and lab handling tools