Electronic Warfare RF Engineer

Company:  The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: Laurel
Closing Date: 03/11/2024
Hours: Full Time
Type: Permanent
Job Requirements / Description
Description

Do you love to develop, build, and test complex systems?

Do you enjoy working in a collaborative team environment?

Are you passionate about working hands-on with electronic systems?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems group at APL!

We are seeking an engineer to support the design, test, and evaluation of ground-based electronic warfare (EW) systems for C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial systems) and counter-RCIED (Radio-controlled Improvised Explosive Devices) applications.

As a member of our team, you will become a subject matter expert on ground-based jamming systems and both UAS and RCIED threats. You will develop and integrate countermeasures (including algorithm development and signal processing), and test their effectiveness in a high-tech laboratory and on government over-the-air test ranges. You will be joining a dedicated team of engineers and scientists who work with Government and Industry. We are passionate about providing advanced RF systems to protect U.S. citizens, service members, and allies.

As an Electronic Warfare Engineer...

  • Your primary responsibility will be to support efforts related to effective operational deployment of ground-based EW systems against a variety of threat types and missions. This includes but is not limited to developing and optimizing electronic countermeasures requirements analysis and definition risk and capability assessments and EW system test and evaluation. This includes having a thorough knowledge of the EW system under test, the threats being used during the test, common test infrastructure configurations and test instrumentation.
  • You will apply your knowledge of UAS, RCIED, RF electronics and communications, and related technologies to enhance the performance of EW systems and provide subject matter expertise on UAS and RCIED threats.
  • You will work with Government and Industry partners in the development of next generation EW systems.
  • You will support trade studies that analyze and compare EW system concepts and technology alternatives in terms of effectiveness, cost, and risk.
  • You will provide technical expertise during field and laboratory test and evaluation events.
  • You will perform data analysis in support of both pre-test activities and post-test reporting of EW systems capabilities in over-the-air performance assessment.
  • You will work with other team members in the application of systems engineering and test design consistent with government standards and practices for development, evaluation and sustainment of RF electronic systems.

Qualifications

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

  • Possess a Bachelor 's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or another related technical discipline.
  • Have relevant experience in test engineering, RF systems prototyping, RF signal processing, RF modeling and simulation, or analysis and development of RF subsystems, OR a Master 's degree in these fields with experience.
  • Thrive in a team environment of numerous engineers with varying levels of experience and technical skills.
  • Are skilled in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages,such as Matlab, Python, and C/C++.
  • Are willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time to test sites or meetings.
  • Have experience working with RF test and measurement equipment.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret 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...

  • Have specific experience with test design, planning, execution and test reporting of RF electronic warfare systems during various stages of development, from concept development to operational deployment.
  • Have in-depth understanding of RF test and design, propagation, antenna design, microcontroller design, common communication protocols, electronic attack techniques, and military operations and deployment of ground based electronic warfare systems.
  • Are comfortable using RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers and signal generators.
  • Have experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Have experience with FPGA design and implementation or software engineering.
  • Have an active Secret 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 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

About Us

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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.

Minimum Rate
$90,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$220,000 Annually
Apply Now
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The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
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