Radio Frequency; RF) Engineer Lead

Position: Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Lead
Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary Battelle’s Advanced Microsystems Solutions – RF Spectrum portfolio delivers advanced Radio Frequency (RF), Electronic Warfare (EW), and communications systems for U.S. Government and select commercial customers—spanning concept development, capture, system design, integration, test, and operational transition. As a Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Lead you will support the development of advanced RF, communications, sensing, and electronic warfare (EW) systems This role blends RF design, system integration, signal processing, and test execution while serving as a technical lead on projects or major work streams.

The RF Engineer Lead works independently to solve complex technical challenges, contributes to system architecture and design decisions, and provides guidance to less experienced engineers.

This position operates across the full program lifecycle—from concept development through integration, field test, and performance validation.

ResponsibilitiesRF System Design & Signal Chain Development Design and develop RF/microwave systems, subsystems, and components across the signal chain (antenna RF front end processing)
Perform RF system analysis, link budgeting, and performance modeling

Apply DSP techniques (e.g., filtering, detection, waveform processing) to RF systems

Contribute to architecture, trade studies, and design reviews

System Integration & Technical Execution Lead or support integration of RF hardware, DSP, and embedded/software components

Plan and execute system-level integration and validation activities

Ensure alignment between system requirements, design implementation, and verification

Test, Measurement & Validation Develop and execute test plans for RF, EW, and communications systems in lab and field environments

Analyze test data to evaluate performance, identify issues, and inform design improvements

Utilize RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators)
Modeling, Simulation & Analysis Build system-level models to evaluate RF performance (SNR, interference, propagation)
Support simulation and analysis for phased arrays, beamforming, and RF propagation

Validate models using lab and field data Technical Leadership & Project Contributions Lead discrete technical efforts, work streams, or small-to-mid scale projects

Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior engineers

Serve as a key contributor to design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decisions

Support proposal writing, IRAD efforts, and customer deliverables Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate across RF design, systems engineering, antenna, software, and test teams

Interface with program leadership, customers, and external partners

Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Key Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related field
10+ years of relevant experience

Experience in:

RF system design, integration, and analysis

Signal processing and modeling tools (MATLAB, Python, etc.)RF lab/test equipment and measurement techniques

Ability to independently solve complex problems and contribute to technical strategy

Must be a US Citizen; willing to obtain and maintain DOD Top Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with :

Electronic warfare (EW),…