Assistant - RF Systems and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations

Position: Assistant Staff - RF Systems and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations
The Electronics for Contested Space Group develops advanced electronic systems and technology for the protection of our Nation’s most important space capabilities. We design and develop state-of-the-art satellites and satellite payloads, novel concepts for resilient space architectures, and the Nation’s most sensitive radars, optics, and passive RF systems. The group also provides engineering rigor and experience to some of the most critical National Security programs through Laboratory-wide collaboration and acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Government.

Recently we have prototyped electronic systems and effects, conducted hardware-in-the-loop testing of tactically relevant payloads with surrogate threat systems, developed RF subsystems for satellites, and analyzed spacecraft mission dynamics, environments, and resiliency.

Job Description Group 94, Electronics for Contested Space, is seeking an electrical engineer and/or physicist to design, build, and test advanced technology for electronic, electromagnetic, and RF systems. The successful candidate will contribute to multi-disciplinary teams executing advanced research and developing systems critical to National Security. Experienced engineers with strong interest in electromagnetics, remote sensing, RF / antenna design, electronic warfare, and RF applications are strongly encouraged to apply.  

Activities may include computational analysis, hardware development, system integration, field data collection, data analysis, documentation and reporting, and independent problem-solving.  Occasional travel to support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events may be required.

Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field with directly relevant experience
A technical degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience will also be considered

Significant professional or academic experience in at least two of the following areas:

Electromagnetic and RF engineering (system and/or design level)
Radar systems: including radar system design, evaluation and analysis

Remote sensing: passive/active RF and optical systems analysis, simulation, high-level design

Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations and ES/EA/EP applications

Physics: classical electromagnetics, plasmas, optics, ionizing radiation

Systems engineering: integrated modeling, interface management, concept development

Space systems: vehicle design, environment analysis, performance estimation, risk assessment

Demonstrable ability to:
Work responsibly and safely in laboratory and assembly environments

Develop respectful, productive working relationships

Communicate clearly, precisely, and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences

Solve broad and/or complex technical and/or engineering problems

Learn and apply advanced technical knowledge quickly and proficiently

Analytic and/or scientific programming proficiency and experience  (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar)
Desired Skills Active Top Secret Security Clearance highly desired

Hands-on laboratory experience, including troubleshooting of complex systems and experience with laboratory measurement and characterization (e.g., analog circuits, impedance analyzers, vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes)
Strong foundation in fundamental physical concepts and rigorous analytical analysis

Experience with advanced sensors including quantum sensors, e.g., Rydberg atomic sensors, precision clocks, and magnetometers

Experience with extremely sensitive RF applications including radiometers and electronic surveillance

Experience developing engineering and scientific analyses, simulations in MATLAB (core, Simulink, and Aerospace Toolbox), COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Systems/Satellite…