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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Experience with:
  • Electronic warfare (EW), radar, or communications systems
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) or FPGA‑based systems
  • Phased arrays, beamforming, or direction finding
  • RF modeling tools (HFSS, ADS, CST, etc.)
• Experience supporting DoD or government programs
• Active or eligible for DOD Secret clearance

We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed…