Antenna Systems Hardware Engineer

Salary: $105,000 - 290,000 per year Requirements:

• We require a masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, with concentration in electromagnetics, RF, or a similar specialty.
• We look for at least 3 years of experience in antenna or RF aperture modeling, testing, and measurement for radar, electronic warfare, or communications applications.
• We expect experience using commercial electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, FEKO, CST, ADS, or comparable software.
• We require hands-on experience developing or integrating antenna and RF hardware, including RF front ends, feed networks, up/down converters, LNAs, PAs, and related prototyping/debug work.
• We need strong MATLAB or Python skills for data analysis, visualization, automation, and custom tool development.
• We require the ability to travel up to 10% of the time for field testing, range measurements, or sponsor meetings.
• We require an active Secret clearance; if selected, you must complete a government security clearance investigation and meet classified-information access requirements, including U.S. citizenship.
• Preferred qualifications include a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Preferred experience includes advanced antenna measurement methods such as near-field to far-field transformation, compact range testing, array calibration, and polarization purity characterization.
• Preferred experience includes RF PCB design and rapid prototyping of RF hardware, such as quick-turn boards, evaluation boards, or custom front-end modules.
• Preferred experience includes working with RF laboratory equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, arbitrary waveform generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Preferred experience includes planning and carrying out antenna or RF aperture testing in anechoic chambers or similar facilities, and interpreting measured pattern and S-parameter data.
• Preferred qualifications include an active Top Secret clearance.

• We develop and apply antenna and RF aperture modeling and simulation tools, including full-wave EM solvers, array analysis codes, and custom MATLAB or Python tools, to design, analyze, and compare antenna and array performance across operational conditions.
• We plan, conduct, and evaluate antenna and RF aperture measurements in laboratory, chamber, and field environments, including radiation patterns, gain and efficiency, impedance, polarization behavior, and array calibration.
• We lead rapid prototyping, integration, and troubleshooting of antenna systems, including RF front ends, feed networks, and integration with RF electronics and software-defined radios.
• We use RF lab equipment and automated test scripts to quickly evaluate designs and refine concepts.
• We collaborate with antenna designers, RF hardware engineers, and systems engineers to turn modeling, measurement, and prototyping results into system-level recommendations and design updates.
• We document and present findings in internal reports and technical briefings for sponsors.

• Hardware
• Support
• Matlab
• Network
• Python
• Security
• LESS

More:

We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a mission-driven organization tackling critical defense, security, space, and science challenges with world-class expertise. Our culture is welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive, with strong opportunities to grow, contribute creative ideas, and build meaningful connections with inspiring teammates. We offer generous benefits, including education assistance, strong retirement contributions, comprehensive health and insurance coverage, paid time off, and flexible work/life support. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The role offers a salary range of $105,000 to $290,000 annually, with additional compensation possibilities such as bonuses, relocation support, locality allowance, or discretionary performance payments.

last updated 35 week of 2026