Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for an RF Design Engineer at our Chandler, AZ location.
About Crane:
Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). From supplying microwave products for GPS satellites to integrated assemblies for the latest innovative defense platforms, come join an industry-leading aerospace & defense manufacturer based in beautiful, sunny Chandler, Arizona. You’ll join a first-class, dynamic organization steeped in rich culture and an established track record of delivering customers premier, quality products. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with prime OEMs and help us develop state-of-the art solutions – all in a family-first community with top-rated schools and an abundance of recreational activities. Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!
Job Summary:
The RF Engineer III is a senior contributor who works highly independently and will use established procedures and work under limited supervision to perform assigned tasks by working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Suppliers and Customers. The RF Engineer III specializes in complex technical matters and provides engineering services for RF/Microwave/ Millimeter communications hardware systems for defense application including responsibility for technical proposals, prototype to production, performance, customer presentations, schedule, and cost requirements. Will have expert knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures of assigned product or program. May lead a team of engineers on assigned projects.
Essential Functions:
- Perform end‑to‑end systems analysis, including modeling and simulating RF/mixed‑signal circuit performance (VHF to millimeter‑wave), cascade analysis, filter design, and evaluation of new communications technologies for spaceflight.
- Design, analyze, and develop RF and mixed‑signal hardware such as digital receiver subsystems, exciters, PLLs, AGC loops, synthesizers, and A/D–D/A conversion stages; document designs with simulations, measurements, and tolerance analyses.
- Integrate, test, and validate RF/millimeter‑wave hardware for spaceflight applications, providing input to test procedures, fixtures, and supporting prototype‑to‑production transitions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and serve as a technical interface to customers, ensuring designs meet electrical, environmental, and manufacturing requirements; support specification development and respond to RFQ/RFPs with engineering inputs.
- Mentor junior engineers and support internal concurrent design efforts while contributing to design standards, manufacturability considerations, and internal review processes.
- Generate required design documentation, manage scope within customerrequirements, and perform additional tasks as assigned by management.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience: 5-7+ years of experience in microwave/millimeter-wave design theory component design; Experience with high reliability hardware from conceptual design through flight delivery; Experience with microwave modeling tools (I.e., Gensys, ADS, AWR, Ansoft HFSS, Ansoft Designer, Ansoft Maxwell, Matlab and AutoCAD or equivalent software.
- Knowledge: Knowledge of complex communication systems theory; Systems architecture, RF architecture, RF/Microwave circuit design; Detailed knowledge of RF and mixed-signal design techniques and technologies, including receivers, synthesizers, and transmitters; Millimeter wave Radio systems design; synthesizer design, mixers, amplifiers, PLLs, low phase noise VCOs, filters, etc., from DC > 40Ghz; Magnetic circuit analysis experience desired.
- Skill: Excellent documentation, organization and time management skills, Ability to write procedures, reports, and acceptances test; Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects through complete cycle; Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in team environment.
- Education/Certification: BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Masters or PhD degree preferred.
- Eligibility Requirement: This position requires access to Controlled Data or Information. Where the position requires such access only US persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
- Applicants selected could be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Working Conditions:
- Standard office environment
- Work requires substantial visual concentration on detail
- Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment
- Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE
- May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes
Standing: 10% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Sitting: 90% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Lifting (in pounds): up to 10 pounds
Pushing (in pounds): up to 10 pounds
Mental/Visual: use of computer, calculator, filing cabinets
Workspace (line, cube, etc): cubicle/desk
Top Benefits:
As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you’ll enjoy:
- Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month
- Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.
- 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match
- Education Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employment
You can see a list of our benefits at https://www.craneae.com/company/careers or visit our website at www.CraneAE.com for more information on our company and great opportunities.
We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value.
In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.
#LI-DA1 #CAE
This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Skills Required
- 5-7+ years experience in microwave/millimeter-wave design theory and component design
- Experience with high-reliability hardware from conceptual design through flight delivery
- Experience with microwave modeling tools (Gensys, ADS, AWR, Ansoft HFSS, Ansoft Designer, Ansoft Maxwell, Matlab, AutoCAD or equivalent)
- Knowledge of complex communication systems theory, RF architecture, RF/microwave circuit design (receivers, synthesizers, transmitters) including designs >40 GHz
- Experience designing synthesizers, mixers, amplifiers, PLLs, low phase-noise VCOs, filters, and A/D-D/A stages
- Ability to perform system-level analysis, tolerance analysis, modeling and simulation, and to document designs and test procedures
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects through complete cycle and mentor junior engineers
- BS degree in Electrical Engineering
- Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering
- Magnetic circuit analysis experience
- US person / ITAR eligibility and ability to meet requirements for access to controlled/classified information (may require government background investigation)
What We Do
Crane employees share a proud 150-year-plus history of doing business the right way—treating people fairly, dealing honestly and ethically with customers, suppliers, and shareholders, and working hard to meet or exceed the expectations of customers. They also share a fascinating history of innovation dating from the early years of the Industrial Revolution to the current era of technology-driven product development and improvement. Crane is committed to the highest standards of business conduct. We strive to create value for all our stakeholders with a highly disciplined approach to materially strengthening our businesses through successful implementation of the Crane Business System, through strategic linkages among our businesses, and through utilization of strong free cash flow for strategic acquisitions.
