RF/EW R&D Engineer

SRC, Inc. is currently seeking a Mid-Level Radio Frequency (RF) / Electronic Warfare (EW) Research & Development Engineer to support the design, integration, testing, sustainment, and advancement of next-generation RF and EW simulation capabilities. This role is heavily focused on research and development activities within a dynamic laboratory environment supporting prototype development, system integration, experimental testing, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) operations, and user demonstrations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong RF fundamentals, laboratory integration experience, and the ability to rapidly troubleshoot and adapt within fast-paced R&D efforts. This position requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop, evaluate, and improve advanced electromagnetic environment simulation systems and supporting RF infrastructure.

What You'll Do

1. Research & Development Activities

RF / EW System Development

• Support research and development of advanced RF, radar, and EW simulation capabilities
• Assist with integration, configuration, and evaluation of prototype hardware, RF subsystems, and experimental technologies
• Support development and execution of engineering assessment plans for new capabilities, hardware modifications, and software updates
• Participate in system characterization, performance analysis, and technical investigations to support engineering decisions

Prototype Integration & Experimental Testing

• Configure and support experimental laboratory test environments for engineering development efforts
• Integrate Systems Under Test (SUT) with RF simulators, HITL systems, and supporting laboratory infrastructure
• Support iterative hardware and software testing, rapid troubleshooting, and implementation of engineering changes during development cycles
• Collect, document, and analyze test data to support engineering evaluations and technical reporting

Technology Evaluation & Modernization

• Evaluate emerging RF and EW technologies to support future laboratory and simulation capabilities
• Assist with development of upgrade roadmaps and modernization recommendations for aging laboratory systems and infrastructure
• Support proof-of-concept demonstrations and advanced technology integration activities

2. Laboratory Operations & HITL Support

HITL & Lab Operations

• Configure and maintain HITL laboratory environments supporting R&D and engineering integration efforts
• Support daily laboratory operations including RF routing, equipment configuration, system verification, and troubleshooting
• Ensure laboratory systems are operational and available to support engineering development schedules and user demonstrations

Demonstration Support

• Support Lead Engineers during internal and external technical demonstrations and evaluation events
• Assist with demonstration setup, system checkout, issue resolution, and operational support during live events

3. Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Sustainment

RF System Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot complex RF and electronic systems to the subsystem and component level
• Utilize schematics, block diagrams, and technical documentation to isolate and resolve hardware and integration issues
• Repair or replace faulty cables, RF components, circuit cards, and supporting subsystems

Preventive Maintenance & Calibration

• Perform preventive maintenance and sustainment activities on RF simulators, EW systems, and laboratory infrastructure
• Support calibration and verification activities for RF test equipment including:
• Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
• Spectrum Analyzers
• Signal Generators
• Oscilloscopes
• Power Meters

4. Process Improvement & Technical Documentation

QA/QC & Engineering Documentation

• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, test configurations, QA/QC checklists, and engineering documentation.
• Maintain logs of system performance, failures, troubleshooting activities, and corrective actions.
• Support trend analysis and reliability improvement initiatives including Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) tracking.

Sustainment & Upgrade Planning

• Assist with long-term sustainment planning including inventory management, spare tracking, maintenance scheduling, and equipment replacement planning.
• Provide technical recommendations for laboratory improvements and system upgrades.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering
• An active Secret clearance is required
• Minimum 4 years of experience supporting:
• RF/EW research and development
• Engineering laboratories
• HITL integration environments
• Prototype development and system integration activities
• Specialized System Experience
• Experience operating, integrating, or maintaining following RF simulator systems:
• Dynamic Electromagnetic Environment Simulator (DEES)
• mmWave
• MicroDEES
• VLB DEES
• DEF DEES
• PhaseDEES
• RF Test Equipment Proficiency
• Hands-on experience operating and interpreting measurements from:
• Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
• Spectrum Analyzers
• Signal Generators
• Oscilloscopes
• Power Meters
• Troubleshooting & Integration Skills
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Electrical schematics
• RF block diagrams
• Wiring diagrams
• Engineering documentation
• Proven ability to troubleshoot integrated RF systems and laboratory hardware
• Collaboration & Communication
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to clearly document test procedures, technical findings, and troubleshooting activities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including using Pivot tables in excel, Cost Point & COBRA experience a plus
• Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-moving environment

Ways to Stand Out - Preferred Requirements

• Experience supporting defense or aerospace R&D programs
• Experience supporting user demonstrations, technical evaluations, or government test events
• Familiarity with laboratory asset management and calibration tracking systems
• Experience supporting advanced RF, EW, radar, or electromagnetic environment simulation technologies

What Sets Us Apart?
SRC, Inc., a not-for-profit research and development company, combines information, science, technology and ingenuity to solve "impossible" problems in the areas of defense, environment and intelligence. Across our family of companies, we apply bright minds, fresh thinking and relentless determination to deliver innovative products and services that are redefining possible ® . When you join our team, you'll be a part of something truly meaningful - helping to keep America and its allies safe and strong. You'll collaborate with more than 1,400 engineers, scientists and professionals - with 20 percent of those employees having served in the military - in a highly innovative, inclusive and equitable work environment. You'll receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes four or more weeks of paid time off to start, 10 percent employer contribution toward retirement, and 100 percent tuition support.

Total compensation for this role is market competitive. The anticipated salary range for this position based out of Dayton, OH is estimated at $95,000 to $115,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant's experience, skills, and abilities, geographic location as well as other business and organizational needs. SRC offers competitive benefit options, for more details please visit our website.

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Non-Discrimination Statement

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or age, or status as a protected veteran or disability except as strictly required by applicable law. You are being given the opportunity to provide the following information in order to help us comply with federal and state record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements, including requirements under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 793, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), 38 U.S.C. 4212.
Learn more about SRC:

About Us
Employee Benefits
Awards & Recognition
Security Clearance

• Location Fairborn, Ohio
• Employment Type Full-Time Salaried
• Experience Required 4+ Years
• Education Required Bachelors Degree
• Security Clearance Requirement Secret
• Travel % 10