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RF Systems Research Engineer

Woburn, MA

About the Team

STR's Sensors Division is at the forefront of developing advanced signal processing algorithms and prototyping systems for next-generation radar and electronic warfare technologies. We take pride in creating a culture of innovation and collaboration. We collaborate with a dynamic group of research engineers across STR, academic researchers, and industry partners to develop practical and effective solutions to RF sensing and counter-sensing challenges.

Together, we're dedicated to tackling some of the toughest problems faced by our national security-focused clients. If you're seeking an opportunity to apply your deep technical knowledge and creativity to make a lasting impact in national security, we invite you to join us. 

About the Role

As an RF Systems Research Engineer, you will have the opportunity to design, integrate, and test sensing and counter sensing systems for radar, electronic warfare, sonar, and other applications.

What you will do:

  • Collaborate with the team to quantify goals, system performance objectives, metrics, dependencies, and risks to guide your work
  • Lead and work with small, multi-disciplinary teams to architect, implement, and test RF hardware systems enabling novel sensing, electronic warfare, and signal processing systems
  • Perform performance trade studies and analyses of proposed hardware architectures. Systems predominantly field deployable prototypes with the objective of transitioning to low-volume product systems
  • Build, perform bench-top unit test, integrate, calibrate, and demonstrate/document system performance
  • Work with signal processing team on sensing system test concept and execution methods
  • Design and implement over-the-air system demonstrations, identifying hardware readiness, test architecture, performance metrics, data management, operational procedures, and performance reports
  • Review system effectiveness and identify opportunities to advance and/or mature subsystems and system capabilities
  • Document system design and performance for customer review. Present results to customers
  • Support business development and proposal writing efforts for next-generation RF hardware system development opportunities

Who you are:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government 
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline
  • 0-5+ years related work experience depending on degree
  • 2+ years’ experience working with RF components and subsystems, including T/R modules, rotary joints, pedestal, filters, radiating structures, isolators, amplifiers, ADC/DAC, etc.
  • Design experience in:
    • RF systems, subsystem and/or component analysis (frequency planning, link budget analysis, transceiver architectures, cascade analysis)
    • Electromagnetics & RF/wave propagation
  • Skilled in RF component/subsystem/system test and measurement equipment and techniques (anechoic chambers, oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators)
  • Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python and/or other higher-level languages
  • Strong Mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills

Even Better:

  • Active Secret or TS/SCI Clearance
  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline 
  • Experience with:
    • RF systems engineering and technologies in one or more of the following areas: sensing and electronic warfare applications including electronic attack, electronic protection, cognitive EW, radar, and advanced ESM techniques
    • EM Field Solvers (ANSYS HFSS, Sonnet)
    • Interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end analytical solution
  • Prior design experiences in:
    • Antennas
    • RF Printed Circuit Boards
    • RF Integrated Circuits
    • RF Transceiver building blocks (power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, oscillators, mixers, filters)
  • Knowledge of:
    • Mechanical design
    • Designing and debugging for EMI/EMC requirements
    • FPGA hardware inference designs
  • Background in designing for manufacturability, producibility, and cost constraints
  • Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems 
  • Ability to create and present briefings to customers and senior management to provide both high-level and deep technical solution explanations

Join us and become part of a team that's making an impact at the forefront of technology and innovation. While this role is ideally suited for mid-career engineers, individuals who feel they meet most of the requirements are encouraged to apply as we have opportunities for talented engineers at all experience levels. 

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

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