RF Engineer

Infinity's niche in the aerospace and defense industry is specialized solutions that help bridge the gap between space and ground. This is no small task, and we owe our success to our team who help us fulfill our mission; to match people with their legacies for betterment of the world. There is always a place at Infinity for a motivated, capable individual seeking a career to better the world. We prioritize supporting our team through exceptional benefits, work-life balance, and structured career development. At Infinity, WE ARE MORE - now, come be more with us!


*Please note this position is Contingent upon Program Award.**

Job Summary:


The Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer supports the design, analysis, testing, and operation of RF communications systems for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on spacecraft communications systems, ground station networks, antenna systems, and RF testing for missions ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites. The position provides hands-on RF engineering support throughout the space mission lifecycle from concept development through on-orbit operations.

The ideal candidate will support:

• RF systems design and analysis: Design and analyze spacecraft and ground-based RF communications systems, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and RF subsystems for spaceflight missions
• Ground station development: Support design, integration, and testing of ground station infrastructure, commercial ground station interfaces, and antenna networks for mission operations
• RF testing and integration: Conduct RF testing including link performance testing, antenna pattern measurements, EMI/EMC testing, and communications system validation
• Communications link analysis: Perform link budget analysis, interference analysis, frequency coordination, and RF performance predictions for space-to-ground communications

This position requires strong RF engineering fundamentals, hands-on experience with communications systems, and the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) supporting innovative space technology experiments for the Department of Defense.

Key Responsibilities:


RF System Design and Development:

• Design and analyze RF communications systems for spacecraft, payloads, and ground stations supporting space technology experiments
• Develop RF subsystem designs including antennas, transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, filters, and RF distribution networks
• Support spacecraft communications subsystem design for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems
• Perform RF circuit design, analysis, and simulation using industry-standard tools
• Design and specify antennas for spacecraft and ground applications including patch, helical, horn, and phased array antennas
• Support communications payload development for experimental missions

Communications Link Analysis:

• Perform communications link budget analysis for space-to-ground and space-to-space links
• Conduct RF performance predictions including sensitivity analysis, margin analysis, and availability calculations
• Analyze modulation schemes, coding techniques, and data rate optimization for mission requirements
• Evaluate antenna gain patterns, polarization, and coverage analysis
• Perform frequency coordination and interference analysis to ensure spectrum compatibility
• Support development of communications concepts of operations (CONOPS) and requirements

Ground Station Development and Integration:

• Support design and integration of ground station infrastructure including antennas, RF front-ends, and signal processing equipment
• Coordinate with commercial ground station providers for mission support capabilities
• Support on-boarding and integration with various antenna networks including Satellite Control Network (SCN), commercial networks, and AFRL ground stations
• Maintain and upgrade Mission Operations Center RF equipment and connections
• Support development and deployment of disaggregated ground networks and cloud-based ground system architectures
• Implement and test ground system RF interfaces and protocols

RF Testing and Integration:

• Develop and execute RF test plans for spacecraft communications systems and ground stations
• Conduct antenna pattern measurements, gain measurements, and polarization testing
• Perform transmitter and receiver characterization including output power, spectral purity, sensitivity, and selectivity
• Conduct electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing to ensure compliance with space system requirements
• Support end-to-end communications system testing including compatibility testing between spacecraft and ground stations
• Operate RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and antenna test ranges
• Conduct data reduction and analysis of RF test results and provide recommendations

Spacecraft Integration and Launch Support:

• Support spacecraft RF subsystem integration including antenna installation, RF harnessing, and RF system checkout
• Conduct RF functional testing during spacecraft assembly, integration, and test activities
• Support launch site integration activities including RF compatibility testing and communications verification
• Participate in pre-launch RF testing and day-of-launch communications system checkout
• Support resolution of RF-related anomalies during integration and test phases

Flight Operations Support:

• Support spacecraft on-orbit operations including communications troubleshooting and optimization
• Assist with antenna resource scheduling and coordination across multiple ground station networks
• Support communications anomaly investigation and resolution during flight operations
• Analyze on-orbit RF performance data including signal strength, link quality, and communications reliability
• Develop and implement communications system configuration changes to optimize performance
• Provide on-call support for mission-critical communications issues as required

Modeling and Simulation:

• Develop RF system models and simulations to evaluate communications architectures and performance
• Support hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing environments for communications systems
• Conduct RF propagation modeling and analysis for various orbital regimes and frequency bands
• Develop tools and scripts for automated RF analysis and performance prediction

Documentation and Collaboration:

• Prepare RF system documentation including design specifications, test procedures, interface control documents, and technical reports
• Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and program reviews
• Collaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, operations personnel, and external partners
• Support development of communications security (COMSEC) requirements and implementation
• Document lessons learned and contribute to RF engineering best practices

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field required
• Experience: 3-10 years of related experience
• Clearance Requirement: Secret, TS/SCI Preferred
• Required Skills:
• Strong knowledge of RF engineering principles including electromagnetic theory, transmission lines, antennas, and propagation
• Experience with communications system design including modulation, coding, and link analysis
• Proficiency with RF simulation and analysis tools (MATLAB, STK, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, CST, or similar)
• Experience with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and power meters
• Understanding of spacecraft communications systems and protocols
• Knowledge of antenna design and analysis for space applications
• Experience with link budget analysis and RF performance calculations
• Familiarity with space communication standards and protocols (CCSDS, SGLS, or similar)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Willingness to travel to other Government facilities, contractor locations, and launch sites as required

• Preferred Skills:
• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or ESPA-class spacecraft communications systems
• Familiarity with commercial and military satellite ground station operations
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing for space systems in accordance with MIL-STD-461 or similar standards
• Knowledge of software-defined radio (SDR) technology and implementation
• Experience with phased array antenna systems or adaptive antenna technologies
• Familiarity with space network architectures and space networking protocols
• Background in digital signal processing for communications applications
• Experience with optical communications systems or laser communications
• Knowledge of cryptographic systems and communications security (COMSEC) for space applications
• Experience with cloud-based ground system architectures and DevOps practices
• Prior experience supporting AFRL, DoD laboratories, or Air Force space programs
• Experience with mission operations center communications systems
• Professional engineering (PE) license or relevant RF/communications certifications
• Familiarity with aerospace standards:
  • MIL-STD-1540D (Product Verification Requirements for Space Vehicles)
  • MIL-STD-461 (Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics)
  • ECSS standards for space communications

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Office environment with occasional on-site work in data centers or with hardware systems.
• May require after-hours or weekend work to address critical system issues or deployments.
• Some travel may be necessary to support system installations or meet with stakeholders.
• Ability to work at a desk and operate a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of IT equipment or hardware components (up to 25 lbs).

Work Schedule:


This is a full-time position, typically working 40 hours per week. Overtime may be required depending on operational needs.


Infinity Benefits:

Great Company Culture. Infinity firmly believes that our success is due to the happiness and personal satisfaction of our employees.


Health Benefits. 100% Company Paid monthly Medical and Dental premiums for you AND your family.


Prepare for the Future. 401(k) company contribution, with free professional financial planning advisors


Rest and Relaxation. Three weeks' Vacation - and we offer an annual company reward trip after one year of employment.


Health and Wellness. We offer 48 hours of sick leave, in addition to your Vacation, as well as Flex-Spending options (Medical and Dependent Care)


Work that Stays at Work. Genuine work/life balance and flexibility. We know our employees have lives outside of work and we support you in living them!


Education and Professional Training Reimbursement. We support our employees career aspirations and growth through our Education Reimbursement Program!


Profit Sharing Plan. Infinity's success is due to our employees which is why all eligible employees receive an annual payout based on our Profit-Sharing Plan.


U.S. Citizenship is required.


EOE including disability/vet


To learn more about our company and benefits, please visit: Infinity Careers