Lead RF Technician

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression.

The Raytheon Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is actively seeking a Lead RF Technician to join our team in Columbia, MD. This hands‑on, multi‑disciplinary engineering team designs, develops, and fabricates the next generation of RF and photonic communications systems.

The Lead RF Technician supports design and testing by working with engineers to develop functional prototype solutions in a CAD environment and fabricate hardware. The technician also creates fixturing to support R&D lab testing needs and troubleshoots machinery and test equipment.

• Develop and fabricate prototype hardware for RF and Photonic systems.
• Perform hands‑on integration and test support for prototype hardware.
• Hold design and drawing reviews with peers and subject matter experts.
• Design and fabricate laboratory test fixturing.
• Troubleshoot lab equipment and experimental setups.
• Manage multiple stakeholder requests, materials, processes, and workflow stages simultaneously while maintaining clear communications.

• AA/AS degree (or equivalent 2‑year post‑high‑school training) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Fabrication experience in a machine shop environment.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance.

• Experience in rapid prototyping and hardware integration.
• Reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical drawings and schematics to identify producibility issues.
• Experience working with optical fiber fusion splicers and fiber splicing, including SSMF, PMF, and ribbon fibers.
• Experience potting RF or Photonic systems.
• Familiarity with 3‑D drawing and CAD tools.
• Experience with test equipment for photonic and RF characterization (optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, electrical spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, voltage and current sources and meters).
• Experience with test data recording, analysis using required software, and generating documentation and presentation of test results.
• Experience in assembly and testing of fiber‑optic and electro‑optic systems, and knowledge of associated optical and RF component technologies.
• Experience with soldering and rework of circuit card assemblies, and soldering surface‑mount components.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Salary range for this role is $66,000 – $125,400 USD. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, holidays, and incentive compensation programs when applicable.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.