Scope:We are seeking an experienced Senior RF Engineer to lead the design, integration, and verification of advanced RF systems including RF routers, fiber extenders, DIFI based RF over IP and transceiver RF front end systems. This is a hands-on technical role: you will own designs from whiteboard to working hardware, drive system-level studies, and personally validate performance on the bench. You will work alongside signal processing, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where every design serves a mission critical application.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:RF System & Subsystem Design:- Architect and design high-performance RF receiver chains from antenna port to ADC, including LNAs, filters, mixers, amplifiers, and switching networks
- Perform end-to-end system-level RF link budget analysis across HF through Ka-band, including path loss, atmospheric effects, multipath, and interference margin
- Develop noise figure budgets and cascade analyses; specify and verify NF, IP3, P1dB, spurious, and dynamic range requirements at subsystem and system level
- Design RF analog circuits including matching networks, bias circuits, AGC loops, and frequency synthesizers; manage PCB-level RF layout guidelines
- Design high performance, scalable, fan-in and fan-out RF routers minimizing physical size while ensuring maximum port isolation and specifications
- Apply RF propagation models (free-space, two-ray, terrain-diffraction, Okumura-Hata) to understand and validate overall system performance
Verification & Lab Work:- Own initial test and verification of your own designs - this is not delegated; you are expected to be at the bench with VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, and oscilloscope as needed to ensure timely completion and success
- Plan, execute, and document RF performance testing: NF measurements using Y-factor/cold-source methods, IMD/IP3 two-tone tests, spurious emission sweeps, and conducted susceptibility
- Optimize designs iteratively based on measured data; root-cause failures and implement corrective actions through hardware re-spins and/or driving firmware updates
- Support qualification testing including environmental (MIL-STD-810), EMI/EMC (MIL-STD-461), and reliability screening
Systems Engineering:- Lead systems engineering activities for RF-intensive programs: requirements review, architecture design, system design, schematic generation, component life status reviews, lead design reviews, drive PCB layout team and perform final PCB layout reviews
- Interface directly with internal deployment teams, support teams and/or end customer as may be requested to resolve system integration and/or performance issues
- Author or review engineering documentation including system specifications, test plans, test plan conformance forms, and review RMA failure analysis reports for continued product improvements
- Mentor and technically guide junior and intermediate RF engineers; participate in design reviews and provide critical feedback
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline
- 10+ years of professional experience in RF hardware design, with a demonstrated portfolio of shipped products or fielded systems
- Expert-level RF analog design skills: LNA, PA, mixer, filter, synthesizer, and attenuator design in microstrip and co-planar waveguide topologies
- Strong RF digital design background: FPGA-based DSP, digital down-conversion, software-defined radio (SDR) architectures, and JESD204B/DIFI digital RF interfaces
- Deep understanding of radio wave propagation including free-space loss, atmospheric absorption, multipath fading, and terrain effects
- Proficient in RF link budget modelling for satellite and terrestrial systems
- Hands-on competence with RF test equipment: VNA, spectrum analyzer, phase noise measurements, power meter, noise figure measurements, and signal generators
- Proficient with RF simulation tools and Schematic and PCB EDA tools: Keysight ADS, Microwave Office, PADS, Xpedition or similar
- Systems engineering experience: requirements management, interface definition, trade studies, and technical risk identification
- Eligible for, or currently holding, a Government of Canada Reliability Status or Security Clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in RF/Microwave Engineering or equivalent
- Experience with defence-standard procurement environments (PWGSC/DND, NATO STANAG, Controlled Goods, ITAR compliance)
- Familiarity with RFSoC platforms (Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC / AMD) and associated frequency planning constraints
- Knowledge of DIFI (VITA 49.2) packetized digital RF standards for RF-over-IP architectures
- Background in EW, SIGINT, or spectrum monitoring receiver design is an asset
- Experience with MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC) and MIL-STD-810 (environmental) test compliance
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or eligibility for same
What we Offer:- Employer funded benefits program
- Competitive total compensation package
- Work-Life Balance
- Employee assistance plan
- Employee Discount Platform
- Career Progression
- Casual Work Environment
- Social Events and Sports Teams
- Onsite Counsellor
Location: Burlington, Ontario
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
Vacancy: This is a newly created position
Salary Range: $80,000 to $140,000 per year, based on experience
