Hardware Engineer

This is a full-time position, and requires a TS/SCI/Full Scope Polygraph Clearance.

2HB Incorporated is seeking a System Administrator to support its government customer in Annapolis Junction, MD.

Hardware Engineer is a critical role responsible for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, with a focus on SATCOM components and devices operating in various frequency bands, including but not limited to C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band. The successful candidate will be working on complex RF system design, installation, and test, and will be required to travel up to 15% worldwide.

The RF Design Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our RF systems, from design to deployment, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet user requirements.

• RF Design and Design, install, and test RF/SATCOM hardware (C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, Q/V‑band) while accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain‑fade, and polarization‑mismatch effects.
• Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, rack and align hardware, and operate earth‑terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide‑band and satellite communication links.
• Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot on‑the‑spot malfunctions; apply anti‑jamming techniques and enforce safety/maintenance procedures.
• Use Keysight PNA‑X, Field Fox, Spec‑A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S‑parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase‑noise, group‑delay, and perform non‑linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).
• Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and technical design packages.
• Prepare engineering plans, as‑built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records; coordinate with cross‑functional teams (system architects, PMs, test sites).
• Travel up‑to 15% worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or austere environments.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education.
• Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, Field Fox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
• Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.
• Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
• Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
• Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware.
• Knowledgeable of RF design, installation, and test, with a focus on SATCOM systems.
• Travel up to 15% worldwide.

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar field.
• Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, Field Fox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
• Expertise in AutoCAD, Visio (or equivalent) for creating schematics, block diagrams, and layout drawings.
• Strong ability to perform antenna‑pattern, G/T, and link‑budget analyses that incorporate rain‑fade, pointing‑error, and polarization‑mismatch considerations.
• Knowledge of RF distribution, RF Switching, low power amplifiers, power supplies, and BITE solutions.
• Programming/scripting skills in Python or VBA for instrument control, data acquisition, and API integration (e.g., automating PNA‑X measurements).
• Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation; familiar with Air Force, Army, Navy, and joint maintenance management procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.
• Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, and implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
• Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
• Commitment to continuous learning; staying current with emerging SATCOM technologies, standards, and communication techniques (ie. 5G, frequency reuse, etc.)

This is a full-time position, and requires a TS/SCI/Full Scope Polygraph Clearance.