Research Electrical Engineer I or II, MSD

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) was formed in2021 with the aspiration to become the nation’s preeminent academicorganization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research,technology, policy, and talent development to advance national security. The Institute grew from the Hume Center, which waslaunched in 2010 thanks to an endowment from Ted and Karyn Hume.

VTNSI is a national leader in advancing security and resiliencethrough innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to addressevolving national security challenges. We bring togetherexceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique researchinfrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and governmentsponsors to execute impactful research and development.

This is a research and development position based in Blacksburg,Virginia, and is part of the Institute’s Mission Systems Division(MSD). MSD brings together researchers from aerospace and oceansystems engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering,systems engineering, computer science, AI/ML, and other fields todevelop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technologicalchallenges in platforms including satellites, UAVs, UUVs, and droneswarms. This position is for a hands-on electrical engineer whowill build and integrate the electrical and RF subsystems that enable the division’s research testbeds.

The successful candidate will spend much of their time in the laboratory and in the field:fabricating and assembling hardware, building cables and harnesses,laying out and populating printed circuit boards, producing designdrawings, and standing up and maintaining test infrastructure. The candidate will also serve as a hands-on resource for senior researchers across the division who are developing RF hardware,design drawings, and PCB layout. The successful candidate canexpect a competitive salary and benefits in a universitysetting.

This role will primarily support the Counter-UAS Test and Research Center and the Space Domain Awareness portfolios.

Successful applicants will have an interest in and some exposure toareas such as:

• Electrical and RF hardware prototyping:
  Assembly and soldering(through-hole and surface-mount), cable and harness fabrication,and integration of components into chassis and enclosures.
• PCB design and layout:
  Schematic capture and board layout using tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, or Eagle, and working withfabrication and assembly vendors.
• Design drawings and documentation:
  Creating and maintaining electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, interface control documents, and assembly drawings.
• RF measurements and testing:
  Proficiency with RF test equipment,including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators,and oscilloscopes, performing measurements like VSWR, return loss,S-parameters, power, and noise figure.
• Subsystem integration and test:
  Integrating COTS and customhardware, including radios, power systems, sensors, and embeddedcomputers, into testbeds, and troubleshooting at the component,board, and system levels.
• Embedded and cyber physical systems:
  Familiarity withmicrocontrollers, single-board computers, and common hardware interfaces such as serial, Ethernet, SPI/I2C, and CAN.
• Test automation and scripting:
  Use of Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for instrument control, data collection, and analysis.
• Laboratory practices: ESD-safe handling, equipment calibration,electrical and RF safety, and configuration management of hardware and laboratory assets.

Specific responsibilities for this position include the following:

• Build, integrate, and test electrical and RF subsystems that enable research testbeds in support of university-sponsored programs;
• Support researchers across the division with hands-on RF hardwaredevelopment, design drawings, and PCB layout;
• Support the development of new funded research programs by participating in proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division;
• Author technical documentation including design drawings, test procedures, and test reports.

In addition, Research Engineer II candidates will:

• Prov…