Hardware Engineer RF

Hardware Engineer 1 (Travel Required) - RF

Annapolis Junction, MD

Captivation Software is looking for a mid level hardware engineer who will be 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• Must currently hold a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government security clearance with a favorable Polygraph; therefore all candidates must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years experience as a hardware engineer analyzing complex hardware systems for SIGINT solutions.
• Five (5) years of additional hardware engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

• Annual Salary: $130,000 - $270,000 (Depends on the Years of Experience)
• Up to 20% 401(k) contribution (No Matching Required and Vested from Day
  1)
• Above Market Hourly Rates
• $3,600 HSA Contribution
• Company Paid Employee Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/Life Insurance/Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D