PhD Graduate - RF Metamaterial Researcher

Description

Do you enjoy designing and prototyping novel metasurfaces, and devices for manipulating electromagnetic fields at RF and microwave frequencies? Are you proficient with computational electromagnetic (CEM) tools such as CST and COMSOL, for the simulation and optimization of RF metasurfaces, and in developing custom software to interface to CEM tools?

Are you skilled in experiment design and using radio frequency (RF) hardware and associated software to characterize RF prototypes? Do you have experience configuring and operating RF systems composed of antennas, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators to characterize RF surfaces? Are you interested in engaging in and learning about processes for fabricating and integrating printed circuit boards?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

Our computational and experimental researchers are passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact the future development and application of advanced microwave devices, materials, and systems. We are committed to scientific excellence and continuous learning/improvement, valuing high-risk, high-reward ideas, honest discussion, and open collaboration.

We are seeking a creative RF researcher to help us fulfill the technical needs of existing projects growing new ones. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to research that proceeds from computational modeling and optimization through prototyping and characterization to real-world transitioned technologies.

As an RF Researcher, your primary responsibility will be to work closely with our team to design, prototype, and fabricate novel metasurfaces and intelligent structures designed for manipulating RF fields. In addition, you will participate in performing anechoic chamber measurements and devise RF testbeds to characterize the performance of electromagnetic prototypes, analyze data, and propose design refinements. Finally, you will advance independent research and development ideas while collaborating with a team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you...

• Hold (or will soon hold) a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
• Possess a strong background in electromagnetic metasurfaces and microwave/RF components and circuits.
• Have proficiency in using a full-wave electromagnetic simulation package such as CST, HFSS, or COMSOL.
• Have a working experience or interest in configuring and operating typical RF hardware equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), antennas, and spectrum analyzers.
• Have interest in learning the procedures and protocols pertaining to the fabrication of RF metasurfaces.
• Write scientific programs in MATLAB or PYTHON.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have experience in printed circuit board layout and fabrication.
• Have interest in building systems with RF components (e.g., mixers, amplifiers, filters, and detectors).
• Have previously contributed to the design of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces.
• Have broad exposure to common RF applications such as communications, radar, antenna design, and microwave imaging.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives…