Hardware Engineer

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Hardware Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD

• Computer / Software

2HB Incorporated is seeking a Hardware Engineer to support its government customer in Annapolis Junction, MD. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, focusing on SATCOM components and devices operating in multiple frequency bands including C‑band, X‑band, Ku‑band, Ka‑band, and Q/V‑band. The role involves complex RF system design, installation, and test, with up to 15% worldwide travel.

The RF Design Engineer will ensure the smooth operation of RF systems from design to deployment and will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet user requirements.

• RF Design and installation, and test of RF/SATCOM hardware across C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, and Q/V‑band, 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.
• Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, Field Fox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
• Develop preventive‑maintenance schedules, conduct equipment inspections, and author safety‑rule documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to produce 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.