RF Systems Test Architect

Description

Are you passionate about integrating, testing, validating, analyzing, and improving performance of RF hardware through laboratory and field‑testing activities?

Do you want to be a part of an interdisciplinary team that helps ensure the success of missile defense systems through expertise in RF hardware including wireless datalinks, GPS receivers, and radars?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are looking for an RF Systems Test Architect to test, evaluate, and integrate RF weapons systems, ensuring their performance and effectiveness in real‑world environments, as a member of the Radio Frequency Engineering Group within the Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS).

As a RF Systems Test Architect, you will...

• Use systems engineering and test engineering skills to envision, design, and implement test and evaluation strategies to validate RF hardware under realistic, mission‑centric conditions.
• Be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of real-time, closed-loop HiL capabilities.
• Integrate, test, and evaluate RF systems in anechoic chambers, HiL facilities, and field test settings.

• Lead multidisciplinary teams to define RF system requirements, perform system‑level analysis, trade‑studies, and independent verification and validation of hardware under challenging real‑world signal conditions.
• Research, investigate, and prototype new technologies to identify creative solutions, develop proposals, and recommend improvements for challenging RF‑system requirements.
• Develop algorithms and approaches for processing and visualizing RF data.
• Partner with program offices, engineers across APL, and the contractor community to analyze, assess, and enable the successful fielding of operational weapon systems.

Qualifications

You meet our qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another related technical field (advanced degree preferred).
• Have 5 or more years of RF Engineering experience.
• Have deep knowledge of RF Systems such as: Wireless communications, GPS systems, radar and remote sensing, or digital signal processing on embedded hardware.
• Have experience using RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, waveform generators, oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, or RF recorders.
• Have experience designing or integrating hardware and software; or experience with HiL.
• Have experience leading technical teams.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have demonstrated success while working within a team environment.
• Are able to travel up to 10-25% of the time as needed.
• The classified nature of this position requires the selected applicant to be physically present on-site at our Laurel, Maryland campus on a regular basis. Occasional telework may be considered for this position.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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.

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 http://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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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