Temporary Professional, RF Systems Engineering, Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy

Hiring Department

Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy (MIDE), in the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN), at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is a fast-growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principals with a pragmatic, results-driven and collaborative philosophy. Whether it's restoring health and wellness in the urban food-desert, or developing state-of-the-art anti-drone technologies to protect our cities or troops, we're on it.

The team is growing and we have an outstanding opportunity for a Professional RF Systems Engineer to temporarily join our team. You would work with us in solving wicked challenges in defense, energy, and health by transitioning fundamental solutions requires a team of highly specialized, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who seek answers to hard questions in a collaborative environment with world-class research organizations from coast-to-coast.

For more information about the history of MIDE and our diverse team, check out our website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

MIDE is seeking a Temporary Professional to support the RF Systems Engineering needs of the team who has and will demonstrate a deep knowledge of experience in the detailed design, fabrication, validation, and analysis of high-power electromagnetic generation to support the high-power microwave development group. Experience in solid-state switching technologies, pulse forming networks, pulsed power electronics, computational electromagnetics, high voltage and RF circuit design/layout architecture, and standalone/arrayed antenna design is a must.

This position requires a solid foundation in electromagnetic, power electronics theory and application. Hands-on experience is vital and required.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Work within the RF Systems Team on R&D projects and develop technologies while acting as a pathfinder for resolving extreme technical challenges.
• Executing, assisting, and mentoring students and staff in multiple R&D efforts:
  • design of pulsed power, RF, and directed energy components and systems;
  • modeling, simulation, and visualization of electrical systems and phenomenon;
  • optimizing performance of electrical systems through iterative use of simulations;
  • mitigation techniques for high power EMC;
  • packaging, mounting and integration of RF components within a system;
  • performance/oversight of sub-system, component-level, and full system testing;
  • communications, controls, and data acquisition of system and system components;
  • developing innovative antenna, waveguide, transmission lines, and related components;
  • documentation;
• Documentation including but not limited to technical reports and briefings as required.
• Work and communicate well within one or more teams.
• Strong communication, both verbal and written, and organizational/time-management skills.
• Interface with multiple engineering and non-engineering cross-functional team members.
• Generate and justify application driven requirements and illuminate tradeoffs to balance the mechanical, electrical, thermal and radio frequency needs of the system, including regulated compliance(s).
• Analyze, design for and measure RF systems/antenna dynamic range, noise figure, attenuation, intermodulation, antenna noise temperature G/T and EIRP calculations.

NOTE:

This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued funding. This is a temporary position expected to conclude on and not extend beyond September 30th, 2026.

This is a part-time role expected to average 10 hours per week (.25 FTE). This role is paid biweekly and must submit time on timesheets to be paid.

Standard schedule is within Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm or comparable. As a results-orientated organization, we support flexible schedules. Expect occasional travel for research collaborations, conference attendance, and offsite briefings.

Have and maintain a United States security clearance at the Secret level or higher.

• a passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems;
• a…