Senior Radio Frequency (RF) Attenuation Engineer

Senior Radio Frequency (RF) Attenuation Engineer

Expected Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000 per year

The Senior RF Attenuation Engineer designs, installs, tests, and optimizes Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielded environments in accordance with federal government standards. This role involves individually developing and leading teams to develop fixed and mobile SCIFs and RF shielding solutions. The Senior RF Attenuation Engineer provides technical and practical guidance to project and construction managers on RF attenuation methods throughout the design, construction, and manufacturing phases of specific projects. The Senior RF Attenuation Engineer prepares industry-standard construction documents, architectural details, work instructions, and test plans to ensure effective field implementation of the RF attenuation solution. Additionally, the role supports research and development (R&D) efforts related to RF attenuation technologies. The Senior RF Attenuation Engineer also plays a key role in developing bids and proposals, including reviewing requirements and selecting appropriate materials and equipment. With a strong foundation in RF engineering principles, the Senior RF Attenuation Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and provides strategic support to project managers on RF shielding solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Design and develop, and lead others in design and development, of RF shielded enclosures, including welded, panelized, and architecturally integrated solutions for both fixed and mobile applications.
• Integrate EMI/RFI components, such as power line filters, waveguides, and shielded doors, into construction and manufacturing designs, and inspect and improve integrations by other engineers.
• Review architectural and engineering (A&E) drawings for EMI/RFI shielding requirements; identify design deficiencies and recommend practical corrections; supervise others in performing these tasks.
• Prepare detailed construction documents, architectural details, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications for RF attenuation projects; inspect and correct the work of other engineers performing these tasks.
• Support the installation of RF shielding systems, including RF foil applications, modular panels, and specialty assemblies, ensuring adherence to plans and performance standards.
• Perform on-site and factory RF measurements and testing to validate shielding effectiveness and system performance; oversee others performing these tasks.
• Troubleshoot shielding performance issues, including signal leakage, grounding problems, and EMI/RFI interference in built environments.
• Optimize shielded systems for performance, material efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of construction or manufacturing.
• Specify and manage test equipment used for RF validation, including calibration, certification, and inventory tracking.
• Provide technical guidance to construction teams, manufacturing personnel, and project managers throughout the lifecycle of RF shielding projects.
• Train installers and technicians in shielded enclosure construction, including proper installation methods and testing procedures.
• Ensure accuracy and clarity in customer-facing documentation, drawings, and specifications related to shielding solutions.

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

Skills and Specifications

• In-depth understanding of RF principles and EMI/RFI) shielding.
• Expertise in performing EMI/RFI shield effectiveness tests 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
• Practiced ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, construction specifications, and other facilities documents and make informed decisions.
• Advanced skill in communicating technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• 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 requires 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.

DGS will pay a one-time, completely discretionary relocation incentive of $5,000.00 for a qualified applicant to relocate to Rome, NY for daily work at the DGS location there. The incentive will be payable once a qualified and selected candidate provides evidence of relocation and is contingent (vests) upon satisfactory completion of one year of misconduct-free employment, otherwise repayment of the incentive is required. Any offer of employment to a candidate not located in the Rome, NY aera is contingent upon relocation to the vicinity of Rome, NY.

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.
• 10+ years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a construction environment.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

• Ability 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.