RF Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands and technologies
• Define RF system requirements and drive architecture decisions through analysis and trade studies
• Perform RF analysis including link budgets, antenna patterns, and interference/desense
• Develop and validate RF/data link models and communication performance simulations
• Conduct hardware and software trade studies to optimize RF system performance
• Support design, prototyping, integration, and qualification of wireless communication systems
• Debug and characterize RF issues including noise sources and interference
• Integrate RF subsystems with avionics, payloads, and platform constraints
• Develop and maintain internal RF modeling, simulation, and analysis tools
• Support test activities including lab validation, ground testing, and flight test data analysis
• Present technical findings in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR)
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to RF engineering standards

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline
• 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration
• Strong experience with RF architectures including transceivers and antenna integration
• Familiarization with MANET radios (e.g., Silvus, Persistent Systems, DTC)
• Proficiency with RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS)
• Experience performing RF system analysis (interference, system performance)
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, and RTSP protocols
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers)
• Programming or scripting experience (MATLAB, Python, C/C++, bash)
• Strong troubleshooting skills in complex RF environments
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) or contested electromagnetic environments
• Familiarity with signal processing and data link design
• Experience with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium)
• Understanding of antenna theory and real-world integration constraints
• Experience designing for manufacturability and production scalability
• Experience supporting flight test or deployed RF systems
• Active or eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options including medical, dental, and vision
• 401k with company-match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

About the Company

Zone 5 Technologies is redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems, developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology.