Principal RF Design Engineer,  Microwave Receivers

Location:           

Onsite – Sparks, MD (9/80 schedule – every other Friday off)

Overview:Our client, a leading provider of mission-critical RF and microwave solutions for U.S. Government SIGINT and EW programs, is seeking an accomplished Principal RF Design Engineer with deep expertise in microwave receiver development. This is a hands-on engineering leadership role that contributes directly to next-generation defense technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of high-performance RF/microwave receivers and frequency converters operating through 18 GHz and beyond.
• Perform top-level system architecture design, including requirements decomposition and functional block allocation.
• Serve as a technical lead on complex programs and mentor junior engineers.
• Deliver technical presentations to internal and external stakeholders, including customer design reviews.
• Support business development efforts with technical input for proposals, white papers, and capability briefs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
• Proven track record designing wideband, high-dynamic-range, super-heterodyne receivers and frequency converters on PCB substrates using SMT components.
• Strong knowledge in:
• Frequency planning, spur analysis, and system cascades
• MW mixers, RF filters, PLLs, and low SWaP design practices
• mmWave and wideband digitization technologies (preferred)
• Proficient in industry-standard tools such as Keysight Genesys, OrCAD, MATLAB, and SPICE variants.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and capable of obtaining a security clearance.
• Must pass pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Compensation:       $105,000 – $240,000 annuallyClearance:             Must be eligible to obtain a security clearance