Sr Research Engineer - RF & Systems Engineer

OverviewSRI is seeking a Senior Research Engineer with deep expertise in RF and Systems Engineering to lead the development, integration, and evaluation of advanced radar, communications, and sensing systems from our office in Boulder, CO. This role emphasizes RF system architecture, requirements development, system-level design and analysis, hardware/software integration, and hands-on prototype development and testing.You will work within multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced systems spanning RF hardware, antennas, digital signal processing, embedded computing, software, and firmware. Applications include radar, communications, electronic warfare, remote sensing, quantum sensing, and photonics. The ideal candidate combines strong RF fundamentals with a systems-level perspective and enjoys taking complex technologies from initial concept and requirements through prototype development, field demonstration, and transition.This role is part of SRI’s Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD), which develops innovative, high-performance technologies across domains including radar and electronic warfare, imaging systems, robotics, quantum sensing, and applied optics. CHECK OUT OUR RESEARCH HERE!ResponsibilitiesLead the architecture, design, development, and integration of advanced RF radar, communications, and sensing systemsDevelop and manage system and subsystem requirements, interface definitions, performance budgets, and verification approachesPerform RF system analysis, including link budgets, radar performance analysis, noise analysis, dynamic range, sensitivity, and interference assessmentsDevelop system architectures spanning antennas, RF front ends, transmit/receive chains, data converters, embedded processors, FPGAs, GPUs, and softwarePerform engineering trade studies involving performance, SWaP, cost, complexity, reliability, and technical riskGuide hardware/software/firmware partitioning and subsystem interface developmentLead system integration, troubleshooting, verification, and performance characterization in laboratory and field environmentsAnalyze test results against system requirements and identify opportunities for performance improvementMentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teamsContribute to new concepts, white papers, technical proposals, program reviews, and customer briefingsIdentify new business development opportunities, engage with potential customers, and write white papers and full proposalsWhat We OfferOpportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with real-world impactCollaborative, mission-driven research environmentCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefitsOpportunities for technical leadership, innovation, and career growthQualificationsBachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related fieldB.S. + 8 years, M.S. + 6 years, or Ph.D. + 3 years of relevant experienceU.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearanceTechnical ExpertiseStrong background in RF and microwave engineering, including RF architectures, signal chains, antennas, and transmit/receive systemsDemonstrated experience with radar, RF communications, electronic warfare, or related sensing systemsExperience developing system architectures and translating system-level requirements into subsystem requirements and interfacesUnderstanding of radar and communications performance analysis, including SNR, noise figure, dynamic range, propagation, and waveform considerationsSolid foundation in digital signal processing and hands-on experience with RF laboratory instrumentationApplied ExperienceExperience developing complex RF systems from concept through integration, test, and demonstrationDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot interactions across RF hardware, digital hardware, firmware, software, and algorithmsFamiliarity with real-time processing platforms such as SDRs, FPGAs, GPUs, and SoCsExperience developing and executing system-level verification and test activitiesAdditional SkillsProficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar engineering/programming environmentsStrong analytical, troubleshooting, and system-level problem-solving skillsAbility to communicate complex technical concepts to engineering teams, program leadership, and customersExperience with technical documentation, design reviews, proposals, and customer presentationsWillingness to travel occasionally for testing, demonstrations, and customer engagementPreferred QualificationsActive Top Secret (TS) clearance; SCI and/or recent SAP experience preferredExperience with RF/EM simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, or CSTExperience with maritime, airborne, or other operational sensing environmentsExperience leading multidisciplinary technical efforts and mentoring junior engineersThe salary range is: $117,684-$175,054. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.Job SummaryID: 2026-6458Category: EngineeringPosition Type: Full-TimeWorker Type: On-Site