Research Innovations Incorporated

Principal Radio Frequency Engineer (EWS111)

Research Innovations Incorporated • $100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of practical experience in RF signal collection systems design and implementation
  • 3+ years in SIGINT or related fields, such as Department of Defense or defense contracting
  • Strong grasp of RF principles like signal propagation and antenna theory
  • Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools like Jira and Confluence
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Project and Visio
  • Ability to foster relationships with technical teams and mission stakeholders
  • Track record of delivering effective solutions in fast-paced environments

Responsibilities

  • Support Army DEVCOM Quick Reaction Capability initiatives onsite at Aberdeen Proving Grounds
  • Design and optimize RF systems, focusing on antenna selection and integration
  • Conduct link budget analysis and signal propagation modeling
  • Develop and prototype solutions in laboratory and field settings
  • Translate mission requirements into actionable technical concepts
  • Document designs for RF components and architectures
  • Review engineering designs and provide constructive feedback
  • Address engineering change requests from stakeholders
  • Perform reliability analysis for RF systems
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for timely mission deliverables

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedules
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Paid time off
  • 401k plan with company match
  • Paid parental leave
  • Access to wellness programs
  • Various on-site amenities like game rooms and relaxation spaces
Full Job Description
Position Title: Principal Radio Frequency Engineer

Location: Onsite at Aberdeen Proving Grounds

Clearance Requirement: Top Secret / With SCI eligibility

Employment type: Full Time

We are seeking a highly driven Principal RF Engineer to join our EW/SIGINT team supporting Defense and Intelligence Community missions. In this role, you will solve complex, mission-critical challenges and develop advanced RF collection capabilities that enable real-time situational awareness in dynamic operational environments.

You will support and sustain deployed operational systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and mission effectiveness in real-world conditions, while contributing to systems that discover, analyze, and exploit signals across full-spectrum operations-delivering precise, actionable intelligence when it matters most.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

  • Support Army DEVCOM Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) initiatives onsite at APG
  • Design and optimize RF systems, including antenna selection, placement, and integration
  • Perform link budget analysis and signal propagation modeling to ensure system performance across operational environments
  • Develop and prototype solutions in both Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) and field environments
  • Translate emerging mission requirements into technical concepts and rapid implementation plans
  • Design, develop, and document RF components, subassemblies, and system-level architectures
  • Review engineering designs, drawings, and technical documentation; provide actionable recommendations
  • Resolve engineering change requests from customers, manufacturers, and suppliers
  • Conduct reliability analysis and safety engineering assessments for RF systems
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission-ready capabilities under tight timelines


WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

  • 6+ years of hands-on experience designing, building, and testing RF signal collection systems
  • 3+ years of experience in SIGINT or related fields (DoD, IC, or defense contractors)
  • Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, including signal propagation, antenna theory, and link budget analysis
  • Experience working in Agile environments, including use of tools such as Jira and Confluence
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Project and Visio
  • Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with technical teams and mission stakeholders
  • Proven track record of delivering solutions in fast-paced, mission-driven environments


EVEN BETTER

  • Experience with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB or STK
  • Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS Next Gen
  • Experience supporting rapid prototyping or Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) programs
  • Prior work in field testing or deployed RF/SIGINT systems


We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.

#LI-TC1

About Research Innovations Incorporated

Research Innovations Incorporated (RII) is a technology company that provides software and systems engineering services to government and commercial clients. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. RII's services include software development, systems engineering, and data analytics. The company has worked with a variety of clients, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Institutes of Health. RII is committed to innovation and has received several awards for its work, including the 2019 Innovation Award from the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more about Research Innovations Incorporated
Size
200 employees
Industry
Net Income
$5 million
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+20%
Revenue
$25 million

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