Job SummaryBattelle is seeking a Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer with specialization in Signal Processing to support advanced RF, communications, and electronic warfare (EW) systems within the Advanced Microsystems Solutions (AMS) portfolio.
This role blends RF hardware/system design with digital signal processing (DSP), supporting the development, modeling, analysis, and optimization of RF signal chains in both laboratory and field environments. The ideal candidate brings strong theoretical grounding in signal processing along with experience applying those concepts to real-world RF systems.
This position is based in Columbus, Ohio and will support programs such as phased array systems, software-defined radios (SDR), and EW platforms.
Responsibilities RF System & Signal Processing Development
- Design, develop, and analyze RF/microwave systems with emphasis on signal processing algorithms and architectures
- Model RF channels, propagation effects, and system performance using tools such as MATLAB or Python
- Develop and implement DSP algorithms including:
- Filtering, modulation/demodulation, and waveform processing
- Detection, estimation, and classification techniques
- Spectral analysis and signal extraction in noisy environments
- Support end-to-end signal chain design (antenna RF front end IF/baseband processing)
Modeling, Simulation & Analysis
- Develop system-level models to evaluate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), interference, and performance trade-offs
- Perform simulation and analysis for:
- Phased array systems and beamforming
- Direction finding (DF) and geolocation
- Electronic beam steering and adaptive systems
- Validate designs through simulation, lab testing, and field experimentation
Integration, Test & Validation
- Support integration of RF hardware with DSP and software components
- Analyze collected RF data to assess system performance and identify issues
- Collaborate on test planning, execution, and results analysis
- Interface with test engineers to refine measurement strategies and validate models
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- RF hardware engineers (front-end design, PCB, test)
- Antenna engineers (array design, beamforming)
- Software/embedded teams (SDR, FPGA, system control)
- Contribute to system architecture, requirements development, and trade studies
- Support proposal development, IRAD efforts, and technical documentation
Key Qualifications - Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field and 5 years experience
- Strong foundation in digital signal processing (DSP) and RF systems
- Experience with:
- MATLAB, Python, or similar for modeling and analysis
- Signal processing techniques (filtering, FFTs, modulation schemes, etc.)
- RF system analysis and integration
- Ability to interpret and analyze real-world RF data and system performance
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with:
- Software Defined Radio (SDR) development
- FPGA or embedded implementations of DSP algorithms
- Phased array systems, beamforming, or direction finding
- Electronic warfare (EW), radar, or communications systems
- Familiarity with:
- RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators)
- Modeling RF propagation and interference environments
- Data analysis pipelines for large RF datasets
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary LifeWe care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
- Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
