Currently seeking a Mid-Level Radio Frequency (RF) / Electronic Warfare (EW) Research & Development Engineer to support the design, integration, testing, sustainment, and advancement of next-generation RF and EW simulation capabilities. This role is heavily focused on research and development activities within a dynamic laboratory environment supporting prototype development, system integration, experimental testing, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) operations, and user demonstrations.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong RF fundamentals, laboratory integration experience, and the ability to rapidly troubleshoot and adapt within fast-paced R&D efforts. This position requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop, evaluate, and improve advanced electromagnetic environment simulation systems and supporting RF infrastructure.
What You'll Do1. Research & Development Activities RF / EW System Development - Support research and development of advanced RF, radar, and EW simulation capabilities
- Assist with integration, configuration, and evaluation of prototype hardware, RF subsystems, and experimental technologies
- Support development and execution of engineering assessment plans for new capabilities, hardware modifications, and software updates
- Participate in system characterization, performance analysis, and technical investigations to support engineering decisions
Prototype Integration & Experimental Testing - Configure and support experimental laboratory test environments for engineering development efforts
- Integrate Systems Under Test (SUT) with RF simulators, HITL systems, and supporting laboratory infrastructure
- Support iterative hardware and software testing, rapid troubleshooting, and implementation of engineering changes during development cycles
- Collect, document, and analyze test data to support engineering evaluations and technical reporting
Technology Evaluation & Modernization - Evaluate emerging RF and EW technologies to support future laboratory and simulation capabilities
- Assist with development of upgrade roadmaps and modernization recommendations for aging laboratory systems and infrastructure
- Support proof-of-concept demonstrations and advanced technology integration activities
2. Laboratory Operations & HITL Support HITL & Lab Operations - Configure and maintain HITL laboratory environments supporting R&D and engineering integration efforts
- Support daily laboratory operations including RF routing, equipment configuration, system verification, and troubleshooting
- Ensure laboratory systems are operational and available to support engineering development schedules and user demonstrations
Demonstration Support - Support Lead Engineers during internal and external technical demonstrations and evaluation events
- Assist with demonstration setup, system checkout, issue resolution, and operational support during live events
3. Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Sustainment RF System Troubleshooting - Troubleshoot complex RF and electronic systems to the subsystem and component level
- Utilize schematics, block diagrams, and technical documentation to isolate and resolve hardware and integration issues
- Repair or replace faulty cables, RF components, circuit cards, and supporting subsystems
Preventive Maintenance & Calibration - Perform preventive maintenance and sustainment activities on RF simulators, EW systems, and laboratory infrastructure
- Support calibration and verification activities for RF test equipment including:
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Signal Generators
- Oscilloscopes
- Power Meters
4. Process Improvement & Technical Documentation QA/QC & Engineering Documentation - Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, test configurations, QA/QC checklists, and engineering documentation.
- Maintain logs of system performance, failures, troubleshooting activities, and corrective actions.
- Support trend analysis and reliability improvement initiatives including Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) tracking.
Sustainment & Upgrade Planning - Assist with long-term sustainment planning including inventory management, spare tracking, maintenance scheduling, and equipment replacement planning.
- Provide technical recommendations for laboratory improvements and system upgrades.
What You'll Bring - Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering
- An active Secret clearance is required
- Minimum 4 years of experience supporting:
- RF/EW research and development
- Engineering laboratories
- HITL integration environments
- Prototype development and system integration activities
- Specialized System Experience
- Experience operating, integrating, or maintaining following RF simulator systems:
- Dynamic Electromagnetic Environment Simulator (DEES)
- mmWave
- MicroDEES
- VLB DEES
- DEF DEES
- PhaseDEES
- RF Test Equipment Proficiency
- Hands-on experience operating and interpreting measurements from:
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Signal Generators
- Oscilloscopes
- Power Meters
- Troubleshooting & Integration Skills
- Ability to read and interpret:
- Electrical schematics
- RF block diagrams
- Wiring diagrams
- Engineering documentation
- Proven ability to troubleshoot integrated RF systems and laboratory hardware
- Collaboration & Communication
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to clearly document test procedures, technical findings, and troubleshooting activities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including using Pivot tables in excel, Cost Point & COBRA experience a plus
- Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-moving environment
Ways to Stand Out - Preferred Requirements- Experience supporting defense or aerospace R&D programs
- Experience supporting user demonstrations, technical evaluations, or government test events
- Familiarity with laboratory asset management and calibration tracking systems
- Experience supporting advanced RF, EW, radar, or electromagnetic environment simulation technologies
- Location Fairborn, Ohio
- Employment Type Full-Time Salaried
- Experience Required 4+ Years
- Education Required Bachelors Degree
- Security Clearance Requirement Secret
- Travel % 10
