Lockheed Martin

Staff RF Engineer- Grand Prairie, TX

Lockheed Martin$120K — $224K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field; Master's or PhD preferred
  • At least 5 years of RF engineering experience
  • Expertise in RF/microwave circuit and subsystem design
  • Proficient in MATLAB for simulation and algorithm prototyping
  • Experience with RF test equipment and laboratory operations
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive RF system architecture decisions
  • Serve as the technical authority for RF design and analysis
  • Lead complex trade studies and performance investigations
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers while fostering a culture of excellence
  • Contribute to proposal efforts and competitive strategies
  • Represent RF Engineering in customer engagements and reviews
  • Drive innovation through R&D initiatives and evaluate emerging RF technologies

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
  • Flexible work arrangements and schedules
  • 401(k) match
  • Paid time off and Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Education Assistance and Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance
Full Job Description
What You Will Be Doing

The Staff RF Engineer will serve as a recognized subject matter expert and technical leader, providing architectural guidance and strategic direction for RF systems and subsystems across the MFC portfolio. Responsibilities may include:
• Defining and driving RF system architecture decisions, establishing technical roadmaps, and ensuring alignment with program and enterprise-level objectives
• Serving as the technical authority for RF design, analysis, and test across multiple programs, providing independent review and approval of critical technical artifacts
• Leading complex trade studies, risk assessments, and root-cause investigations for RF system performance issues, driving resolution across engineering disciplines
• Mentoring and developing junior and mid-level RF engineers, conducting technical training, and fostering a culture of engineering excellence
• Leading or contributing to proposal efforts, including technical volume writing, basis of estimate development, and competitive strategy for RF-related scope
• Representing RF Engineering in customer-facing engagements, design reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and program milestone reviews
• Driving innovation through advanced research and development initiatives, evaluating emerging RF technologies, and transitioning IRAD results into program applications
• Establishing and enforcing RF design standards, best practices, and lessons learned across the organization
• Collaborating with program management, systems engineering, and cross-functional leadership to align RF technical execution with cost, schedule, and performance commitments
• Authoring and reviewing technical publications, patent disclosures, and white papers to advance the state of the art in RF engineering

This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of RF engineering capabilities at Lockheed Martin and to have a significant impact across the MFC enterprise.

Candidates may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Architects and designs Radio Frequency systems and circuitry. Designs and develops RF circuitry used in high frequency and microwave applications, including receivers, transmitters, antennas, and frequency synthesizers. Responsible for hardware layout, component evaluation, prototype construction, and test. Prepares test methods and specifications; analyzes and tests RF hardware to verify performance characteristics. Provides inputs to Product Development for formal documentation and supports manufacturing during the deliverable assembly and test phase. In addition, develops RF System/Subsystem Architectures consisting of: antennas, transmitters, receivers, low noise amplifiers, high power amplifiers, RF conversion elements and transmission line equipment. Performs link analysis and optimization, including effects of propagation medium and possible interference sources. Develops and allocates RF system and subsystem functional and performance requirements. Identifies and tracks RF technical performance measurements (TPMs). Performs RF system/subsystem/component trade studies and CAIV analysis. Supports Life Cycle Costs, reliability, availability, and maintainability analysis.

Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related STEM field from an accredited university; Master's degree or PhD preferred
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in RF engineering or a related discipline
• Deep expertise in one or more RF engineering domains, including:

- RF/microwave circuit and subsystem design, from concept through production
- RF system architecture development and requirements decomposition
- Advanced simulation and modeling at system, circuit, and full-wave levels (e.g., SystemVue, ADS, HFSS, CST, Microwave Office)
- RADAR and/or communication system design, including signal processing, waveform design, and link budget analysis
- EMI/EMC design, analysis, and test to MIL-STD-461/464 and system-level E3 requirements
• Expert-level proficiency in MATLAB for simulation, analysis, tool development, and algorithm prototyping
• Comprehensive understanding of antenna theory, RF front-end architectures, signal and digital processing chains, and multi-mode sensing systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and influence technical direction across organizational boundaries
• Experience with proposal development including technical volume authoring, basis of estimate, and competitive technical strategy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex RF concepts to executive leadership, customers, and non-technical audiences
• Experience with RF test equipment, laboratory operations, and production support at the system and subsystem level
• Must be a US Citizen; must possess or be able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance

Desired Skills
• PhD in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field
• Recognized subject matter expert within the defense/aerospace RF community; reputation for technical excellence
• Patent disclosures, technical publications, or conference presentations in RF/microwave engineering, RADAR, or related fields
• Experience as a technical lead, IPT lead, or chief engineer on a major defense program
• Strong software engineering skills in Python and/or C++ for production-quality tool development, data analysis pipelines, and algorithm implementation
• Experience with IRAD/R&D program management and technology maturation from concept through TRL advancement
• Deep knowledge of RF system-of-systems architectures and multi-domain integration (e.g., EW, SIGINT, communications, RADAR)
• Experience with real-time embedded RF signal processing on RFSoC, FPGA, or GPU platforms
• Expertise in advanced algorithm design: adaptive beamforming, STAP, cognitive radar, machine learning for RF applications
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) and system integration test environments at the weapon system level
• Experience leading or contributing to major program captures and competitive proposal efforts (>$50M)
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle, milestone reviews, and technical baseline management
• Experience establishing engineering processes, standards, and tools that improve organizational capability and efficiency
• Demonstrated history of cross-program knowledge transfer and technical community leadership (e.g., Engineering Technical Council, Communities of Practice)
• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret Clearance

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $120600.00 - $224000.00

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security company that engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products. It also provides a range of management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. The company operates in four business segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems and Global Services, and Space Systems. Lockheed Martin was formed in 1995 from the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta. In September 2008, Lockheed Martin Corporation acquired Aculight Corporation. In January 2009, it completed its acquisition of Universal Systems & Technology, Inc. (UNITECH). In August 2009, it completed its acquisition of Gyrocam Systems LLC (Gyrocam). Gyrocam develops and supplies gyrostabilized optical surveillance systems and sustainment field services, principally to the United States military. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, a unit of the Company's Electronic Systems business area, would manage the Gyrocam business.

Lockheed Martin Careers

Joining Lockheed Martin provides more than just a job opportunity; it offers a platform to be part of a leading team dedicated to advancing global security and aerospace innovation. As a cornerstone of technological prowess, Lockheed Martin invites you to contribute to a legacy of impactful achievements in defense and technology.

Work You’ll Do

At Lockheed Martin, your role will extend beyond fulfilling job responsibilities to reshaping the future of aerospace and defense. Our team at Lockheed Martin is engaged in critical missions that protect citizens and advance the boundaries of science. From engineering to cybersecurity, the opportunities for professional growth are boundless.

Innovate and Lead

Step into a career at Lockheed Martin and you will be at the forefront of innovation and leadership. We empower our employees to lead projects that redefine industry standards and incorporate cutting-edge technology. Lockheed Martin is not just about thinking of the next big idea; it’s about making it a reality.

Professional Growth and Development

Lockheed Martin is committed to the professional growth of every team member. We offer unparalleled career advancement opportunities including professional development, leadership programs, and continuous learning through our Lockheed Martin University. Whether you are looking to advance your skills in engineering, project management, or AI, Lockheed Martin is equipped to take your career to the next level.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that diversity drives innovation. Lockheed Martin fosters an inclusive culture that embraces diversity in thoughts and experiences. Through diversity training and networking, we ensure that every employee can thrive. Our leadership is committed to building a diverse workforce where everyone is heard, respected, and valued.

Internship and Early Career Opportunities

Kickstart your career with Lockheed Martin’s internship programs. These opportunities allow you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects, gaining invaluable industry experience. Internships often lead to full-time positions, as we love to see young professionals grow into future leaders within our company.

Benefits and Culture

Lockheed Martin is renowned for its vibrant culture and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the various needs of our diverse team. From competitive salaries and health benefits to employee wellness programs and flexible working conditions, we ensure that our team is well taken care of, motivated, and healthy.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous employment opportunities on our careers page. We are continuously hiring skilled professionals eager to make a difference. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences, prepare for your interview, and join a team known for its commitment to excellence and innovation.

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Lockheed Martin: Your Future is Here

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Lockheed Martin offers a range of positions and career paths that align with your ambitions and skills. Join us in our mission to solve complex challenges, advance scientific discovery, and deliver innovative solutions that make a difference.

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Learn more about Lockheed Martin
Size
114,000 employees
Market Cap
$126.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.8 billion
Founded
1995
5 Year Trend
+7.2%
Revenue
$65.3 billion
NASDAQ

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