Spec sheet

Automatically summarized from the employer’s posting. Check the original description below for full requirements.

Systems Engineering

RF Communications Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins APL in Laurel, MD analyzes wireless channels, models RF propagation, and develops hardware/software solutions for RF systems. Requires a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in electrical/computer engineering, RF hardware or software, and eligibility for U.S. citizenship with secret clearance.

$100,000–$245,000 / year · Day shift · 5+ years · Bachelor’s degree

Required

RF hardware design
communication system software development
RF systems engineering
link budgets
RF propagation
signal processing
MATLAB/Python/C/C++

Preferred

Master’s or Ph.D. in a related field
software-defined radios
embedded systems
technical leadership

Benefits

medical
retirement plans
paid time off
education assistance

Employer description

Description

Are you passionate about applying signal processing, communications, detection, and estimation theory to solve challenging RF problems?

Do you enjoy developing novel approaches to characterize and build communication systems for unique and challenging problems?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We develop end-to-end RF communications and sensing systems from idea to fielded capability for challenging national security problems. We seek an engineer to analyze communication links and propagation environments, guide design choices, and develop hardware and software solutions that realize sophisticated RF sensing and communication systems. In collaboration with a team of embedded and FPGA developers and hardware designers, you’ll turn novel concepts into deployable capabilities.

As an RF Communications Systems Engineer, you will…

Analyze wireless communication systems by developing link budgets and modeling RF propagation and channel effects.Evaluate system performance across realistic operational environments to develop transmitter, receiver, and system design requirements.Analyze documented and undocumented systems, waveforms, and protocols to characterize their operation and develop new communication and sensing approaches.Contribute to algorithm, hardware, software, and software-defined radio development, from concept through implementation, integration, and test.Plan and conduct field evaluations to assess and validate system performance and improve designs.Collaborate with sponsors and engineering teams to understand mission challenges, develop technical requirements and solutions, and transition successful designs to the field.
Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

Possess a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or another relevant field.Bring experience in RF or electronic hardware design, communication system software development, or RF systems engineering in support of the build and integration of RF communication systems.Have deep understanding of signals and systems and digital communications, including modulation, estimation, and detection techniques with experience in link budgets, RF propagation, system performance analysis, and translating analysis into system requirements.Are proficient in developing communication system models and algorithms using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar languages.Have demonstrated ability to independently investigate complex technical problems and develop solutions.Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

Have a Master’s or Ph.D. in a related technical field with a focus on communications or RF systems.Have broad experience spanning multiple aspects of RF system development, such as RF hardware, system software, embedded systems, software-defined radios, or signal processing implementation.Have experience providing technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams.
About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually
Are you passionate about applying signal processing, communications, detection, and estimation theory to solve challenging RF problems?

Do you enjoy developing novel approaches to characterize and build communication systems for unique and challenging problems?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We develop end-to-end RF communications and sensing systems from idea to fielded capability for challenging national security problems. We seek an engineer to analyze communication links and propagation environments, guide design choices, and develop hardware and software solutions that realize sophisticated RF sensing and communication systems. In collaboration with a team of embedded and FPGA developers and hardware designers, you’ll turn novel concepts into deployable capabilities.

As an RF Communications Systems Engineer, you will…

Analyze wireless communication systems by developing link budgets and modeling RF propagation and channel effects.Evaluate system performance across realistic operational environments to develop transmitter, receiver, and system design requirements.Analyze documented and undocumented systems, waveforms, and protocols to characterize their operation and develop new communication and sensing approaches.Contribute to algorithm, hardware, software, and software-defined radio development, from concept through implementation, integration, and test.Plan and conduct field evaluations to assess and validate system performance and improve designs.Collaborate with sponsors and engineering teams to understand mission challenges, develop technical requirements and solutions, and transition successful designs to the field.
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

Possess a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or another relevant field.Bring experience in RF or electronic hardware design, communication system software development, or RF systems engineering in support of the build and integration of RF communication systems.Have deep understanding of signals and systems and digital communications, including modulation, estimation, and detection techniques with experience in link budgets, RF propagation, system performance analysis, and translating analysis into system requirements.Are proficient in developing communication system models and algorithms using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar languages.Have demonstrated ability to independently investigate complex technical problems and develop solutions.Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

Have a Master’s or Ph.D. in a related technical field with a focus on communications or RF systems.Have broad experience spanning multiple aspects of RF system development, such as RF hardware, system software, embedded systems, software-defined radios, or signal processing implementation.Have experience providing technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams.