RF Engineer

Job Description

Kratos Defense Rocket Support Services is seeking an RF Engineer to support the development, characterization, and testing of advanced RF sensor technologies used in weapon systems. These systems operate in subsonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and exo-atmospheric mission environments. Ideal applicants will have hands?on experience with RF sensor (active and passive) testing, anechoic chamber operations, hardware?in?the?loop (HWIL) environments, antenna characterization, and data analysis using Python and/or MATLAB.

The scope of the assignment includes sensor calibration, RF data collection, scenario development, HWIL operations, direct injection testing, system build?up for flight events, and generation of technical documentation. This position supports programs from early development through captive carry and RF sensor evaluation tests and may require up to 25% travel to support field and laboratory test campaigns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Execute RF sensor testing in anechoic chambers, near?field scanner environments, and direct?injection labs.
• Perform antenna measurement and characterization testing, including calibration of RF seekers and evaluation of antenna tables.
• Support development and execution of HWIL scenarios for RF sensor and passive/active sensor systems.
• Assist in setup, configuration, calibration, and troubleshooting of RF equipment for laboratory and field testing.
• Develop and execute automated test routines using Python or MATLAB for RF data analysis, sensor characterization, and scenario generation.
• Support captive carry preparations, including system build?up, integration, and verification activities.
• Assist in developing RF signal libraries, waveform models, and test scenarios to support seeker performance evaluation.
• Generate test plans, procedures, and technical reports documenting results and analysis.
• Conduct post?test data reduction, analysis, and presentation of results to project leadership.
• Collaborate with multi?disciplinary teams (GNC, hardware, systems) during prototype builds, HWIL events, and missile demonstration preparations.
• Contribute to the development, modification, and maintenance of RF laboratory infrastructure.

Experience and Skills

Required Experience:

JOB SKILLS:

• Experience with RF sensor testing, calibration, and evaluation in HWIL and anechoic environments.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, DRFM systems, and pulse generators.
• Experience developing automated test and analysis tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Ability to support open?loop and closed?loop testing of RF seekers or passive RF sensors.
• Experience with RF direct injection testing, including scenario development, equipment configuration, and maintenance.
• Familiarity with RF anechoic chamber operations, near?field scanning, far-field measurement techniques, antenna characterization, and captive carry test support.
• Ability to interpret RF sensor data, develop calibration tables, and verify sensor performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to leadership.
• Ability to interface with government customers and working?level engineering teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (Active Secret preferred).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3-8 years of relevant RF experience in HWIL, sensor development, anechoic chamber operations, missile research and development, or seeker test environments.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement