Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer, Signal Processing

Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

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 is seeking a Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer with specialization in Signal Processing to support advanced RF, communications, and electronic warfare (EW) systems within the Advanced Microsystems Solutions (AMS) portfolio.

This role blends RF hardware/system design with digital signal processing (DSP), supporting the development, modeling, analysis, and optimization of RF signal chains in both laboratory and field environments. The ideal candidate brings strong theoretical grounding in signal processing along with experience applying those concepts to real-world RF systems.

This position is based in Columbus, Ohio and will support programs such as phased array systems, software-defined radios (SDR), and EW platforms.

RF System & Signal Processing Development

• Design, develop, and analyze RF/microwave systems with emphasis on signal processing algorithms and architectures
• Model RF channels, propagation effects, and system performance using tools such as MATLAB or Python
• Develop and implement DSP algorithms including:
  • Filtering, modulation/demodulation, and waveform processing
  • Detection, estimation, and classification techniques
  • Spectral analysis and signal extraction in noisy environments
• Support end-to-end signal chain design (antenna → RF front end → IF/baseband → processing)

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis

• Develop system-level models to evaluate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), interference, and performance trade-offs
• Perform simulation and analysis for:
  • Phased array systems and beamforming
  • Direction finding (DF) and geolocation
  • Electronic beam steering and adaptive systems
• Validate designs through simulation, lab testing, and field experimentation

Integration, Test & Validation

• Support integration of RF hardware with DSP and software components
• Analyze collected RF data to assess system performance and identify issues
• Collaborate on test planning, execution, and results analysis
• Interface with test engineers to refine measurement strategies and validate models

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • RF hardware engineers (front-end design, PCB, test)
  • Antenna engineers (array design, beamforming)
  • Software/embedded teams (SDR, FPGA, system control)
• Contribute to system architecture, requirements development, and trade studies
• Support proposal development, IRAD efforts, and technical documentation

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field and 5 years experience
• Strong foundation in digital signal processing (DSP) and RF systems
• Experience with:
  • MATLAB, Python, or similar for modeling and analysis
  • Signal processing techniques (filtering, FFTs, modulation schemes, etc.)
  • RF system analysis and integration
• Ability to interpret and analyze real-world RF data and system performance

• Experience with:
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) development
  • FPGA or embedded implementations of DSP algorithms
  • Phased array systems, beamforming, or direction finding
  • Electronic warfare (EW), radar, or communications systems
• Familiarity with:
  • RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators)
  • Modeling RF propagation and interference environments
  • Data analysis pipelines for large RF datasets

Benefits:
Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule :
  Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid…