RF Engineer

Do you thrive on solving problems where physics, engineering, and real-world mission needs converge?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking engineers to advance RF seeker design and signal processing capabilities for cutting-edge precision strike weapon systems, pushing the boundaries of performance at extreme speeds and conditions. You'll be joining a highly skilled and collaborative team of engineers dedicated to developing innovative RF systems that help defend our nation against the world's most advanced threats. Together, we tackle complex technical challenges and deliver capabilities designed for the demanding battle spaces of the future.

As a RF Seeker & Signal Processing Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be to model and analyze RF seekers for advanced weapons.
• You will collaborate with a team of highly skilled engineers and scientists as a technical leader, driving innovation, advancing system performance, and contributing ideas that strengthen our collective expertise and reinforce our role as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders.
• You will apply your subject matter expertise in RF seekers and signal processing to guide the modeling and simulation of advanced seeker systems, ensuring accurate representation of seeker performance and its interaction with guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) functions, engagement dynamics, and end-to-end kill chain effectiveness.
• You will use and develop analytical tools and models to predict seeker performance, evaluate design trade-offs, and support the development of advanced seeker systems.
• You will lead the exploration and evaluation of emerging seeker technologies, developing innovative concepts and solutions to address complex RF system and seeker design challenges.
• You will be responsible for assisting group leadership with defining and implementing a growth and training plan for the RF systems and seeker section to best serve the engineering needs of our programs. We are counting on your vision and leadership for our team's future success.

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

• Possess a BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related field.
• Have 3+ years of combined RF seeker or radar systems engineering experience.
• Possess knowledge in radar physics, including: electromagnetic wave propagation, digital signal processing, RCS modeling, estimation and detection theory, automatic target recognition, target tracking or missile decision logic theory, antenna theory and phased arrays, radar waveform design principles.
• Have experience developing physics-based models of RF seeker or radar system components.
• Proficient in Matlab.
• Are willing and able to support travel to sponsor and field sites as needed
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a MS or PhD in a related technical field.
• Have additional coding skills (python, C++/#, other languages)
• Have experience writing and implementing RF seeker algorithms within six degree of freedom missile simulations.
• Have experience developing and assessing electronic attack/electronic protection techniques.
• Have experience leveraging RF measurement instruments for laboratory testing of RF components
• Have experience with RF design (ADS, HFSS, Microwave Office, Etc) and layout tools
• Have other modeling and simulation tool experience (Ansys STK, AFSIM)
• Have a final Top Secret Security clearance.

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 .

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 .

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.