Radio Frequency (RF) Attenuation Engineer

Radio Frequency (RF) Attenuation Engineer

Expected Salary Range: $110,000 - $115,000 per year

The RF Attenuation Engineer designs, installs, tests, validates, and optimizes RF systems and components used in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielded environments in accordance with federal government standards. The RF Attenuation Engineer ensures that RF systems meet design specifications, safety standards, regulatory requirements and practical construction limitations. The RF Attenuation Engineer provides technical guidance to project managers and construction managers of RF attenuation projects and supports the development of bids and proposals for RF shielding solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Conduct detailed analyses and simulations of RF systems, ensuring optimal performance across the frequency spectrum.
• Perform RF measurements and testing of prototypes, production units and installed systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to RF performance.
• Determine and develop RF testing specifications, methods, and procedures from regulations, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams, including identifying and configuring appropriate specialized test equipment based on testing requirements and operational needs.
• Perform set-up, calibration, testing and troubleshooting of circuits, components, instruments, mechanical assemblies and final systems.
• Analyze defective items to determine root cause of failure.
• Conduct or manage comprehensive rework of assemblies and production systems as required based on test findings to ensure conformity with manufacturing specifications and quality standards.
• Review existing design drawings that include EMI/RFI shielding elements to identify deficiencies and make recommendations for corrections.
• Assist in developing detailed construction and manufacturing documentation.
• Install EMI/RFI shielded enclosures, including panelized and RF foil systems (including, as necessary, at customer sites).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills and Specifications

• Comprehensive understanding of RF principles and EMI/RFI shielding.
• Demonstrated expertise in performing EMI/RFI shielding effectiveness testing in accordance with the following standards:
  • ICD 705: Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs)
  • IEEE 299: IEEE Standard Method for Measuring the Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Shielded Enclosures
  • MIL-STD-188-125-1: DoD Interface Standard for High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) Protection for Ground-based C41 Facilities Performing Critical, Time-Urgent Missions
  • NSA 94-106: National Security Agency Specification for Shielded Enclosures
  • NSA 73-2A: Specification for Foil RF Shielded Enclosure (TEMPEST Protection for Facilities)
  • MIL-HDBK-1195: Military Handbook, Radio Frequency Shielded Enclosures
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, construction specifications, and other facilities documents and make informed decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Superior critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with proven performance under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not require the supervision of direct reports.

Work Environment

This job operates in professional office, workshop, production facility, and field environments which can include working near moving mechanical parts, non-weather wet or humid conditions, and extreme cold and heat. We operate inside and outside, in all weather conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, hand tools, site equipment and vehicles, and is required to use and wear standard PPE, which will be provided by the company.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to twist, turn, bend, lift, kneel, climb, and stand. Occasional lifting up to 75 lbs. may occur.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Standard days and hours are 40 hours per week, with weekends and extended hours as needed. Ability to work flexible hours including nights, holidays, and weekends is required based on business needs.

Travel

Travel within Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) will be necessary.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a construction environment.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal government security clearance.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be able to pass federal contract OCONUS deployment requirements published by the US Government from time to time.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment (post offer) background check.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment (post offer) drug test and motor vehicle record review.
• Must possess a valid driver's license compliant with REAL ID requirements.
• Must be able to travel within CONUS and OCONUS, including by plane.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this job may change without notice.