Hardware Engineer 1

RealmOne

$153K — $183K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7 years of experience analyzing complex hardware systems for SIGINT solutions.
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • Active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph is required.
  • Hands-on experience with RF/SATCOM design, installation, and testing.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in RF hardware.

Responsibilities

  • Design, install, and test RF/SATCOM hardware across various frequency bands.
  • Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, and align hardware for satellite communication links.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting issues in real-time.
  • Measure S-parameters, P1dB, and other technical specifications using specialized equipment.
  • Prepare engineering documentation, including test reports and maintenance records.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure system requirements are met.
  • Travel globally up to 15% to support installations and maintenance in diverse environments.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage with majority employer-paid premiums and a tax-advantaged health savings account.
  • Generous 401K plan with 10% total contributions and immediate vesting.
  • Starting with 4 weeks of PTO plus 11 federal holidays and 2 floating holidays.
  • Access to free 24/7 learning via Udemy and up to $7,500 for educational assistance.
  • Includes flexible work schedules, paid parental leave, and adoption assistance.
Full Job Description
Job Brief

RF design and a focus on SATCOM

Job Description:

The Hardware Engineer is a critical role responsible for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, with a focus on SATCOM components and devices operating in various frequency bands, including but not limited to C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band. The successful candidate will be working on complex RF system design, installation, and test, and will be required to travel up to 15% worldwide. The RF Design Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our RF systems, from design to deployment, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet user requirements. The following are the primary functions of the position:

The Level 1 Hardware Engineer shall possess the following capabilities:
  • RF Design and Design, install, and test RF/SATCOM hardware (C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q/V-band) while accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain-fade, and polarization-mismatch effects.
  • Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, rack and align hardware, and operate earth-terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide-band and satellite communication links.
  • Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot on-the-spot malfunctions; apply anti-jamming techniques and enforce safety/maintenance procedures.
  • Use Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, Spec-A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S-parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase-noise, group-delay, and perform non-linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).
  • Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and technical design packages.
  • Prepare engineering plans, as-built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records; coordinate with cross-functional teams (system architects, PMs, test sites).
  • Travel up-to15% worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or austere environments.
  • Hands-on proficiency with Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, Spec-A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
  • Experience developing preventive-maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety-rule documentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi-service audiences.
  • Proven problem-solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
  • Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
  • Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware.
  • Knowledgeable of RF design, installation, and test, with a focus on SATCOM systems.

Qualifications:
  • Seven (7) years experience as a HE analyzing complex hardware systems for SIGINT solutions.
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Position requires active Security Clearance with appropriate Polygraph

Pay Range: 153,000-183,000

The RealmOne pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Our approach to crafting offers considers various factors to establish an equitable and competitive compensation package. These considerations include, but are not limited to, the extent and intricacy of the role's responsibilities, the candidate's educational background, their work experience, and the specific competencies crucial for success in the role.

RealmOne Benefits:
  • Healthcare Coverage + Insurance: Medical: Three (3) rich healthcare options through CareFirst with 100% or majority company-paid premiums. Tax-advantaged health savings account available with generous employer contribution. Dental + Vision: 100% employer-paid for employees and family with buy-up option available.
  • Retirement + Savings: 401K - 10% TOTAL CONTRIBUTION - 5% safe harbor - 5% annual profit share. Immediate vested, no match required!
  • Paid Time Off + More: 4 weeks starting PTO - 11 federal holidays + 2 floating holidays - Paid hours for company-required training.
  • Career Growth + Development: Access to FREE 24/7 learning via Udemy - Opportunities to participate in tech councils, industry initiatives, etc. - $7,500 annual Educational & Professional Development Assistance.
  • MORE BENEFITS...FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE! - Paid parental leave - Adoption assistance - Annual swag drops - Flexible work schedules - -Generous referral bonus program - Employee appreciation + family-friendly corporate events ...and much more.

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