Overview

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division (PDSD), part of NSD, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe.

The Disruptive Technology group, part of PDSD, supports national-security missions requiring instrumentation, control systems, data acquisition, measurement science, and technical problem solving across physics and engineering applications.

Responsibilities

The Disruptive Technology group is seeking a Radio Frequency (RF)/ Microwave Engineer. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing and analyzing all elements of new high-performance radar imaging / RF sensing systems and/or wireless digital communication systems from antenna to protocol level.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, and test RF front-end systems and subsystems
• Derive specifications for RF/microwave systems and subsystems
• Develop RF/microwave circuits and components including transceivers and antennas
• Characterize RF performance for both commercial and in-house developed systems
• Participate in technical design reviews and element/system-level activities

This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence Monday through Friday.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education in electrical engineering with an emphasis on RF/microwave circuits, electromagnetic theory, or communications systems theory
• Experience characterizing RF components and systems with industry standard test and measurement equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers, and software-defined radios (SDRs)
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, C++ or equivalent tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
• Demonstrated understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems
• Experience with schematic capture and printed circuit board layout using Altium Designer or similar software
• Experience with design of linear and non-linear circuits such as power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, filters and PLLs
• Experience with basic laboratory equipment including soldering stations, multimeters, microscopes, hand and power tools
• Experience working with electrostatic discharge sensitive components and systems

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $80,500.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $116,300.00/Yr.