STR’s Cyber Division is hiring a Senior Advanced RF Hardware Engineer who will leverage their RF, analog/mixed signal and system test skills to contribute to a multi-disciplinary team engaged in solving unique problems. The successful candidate will be comfortable designing, analyzing, and characterizing a variety of hardware architectures to aid with software and hardware modeling efforts. They should have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of RF system architecture to support both software and hardware reverse engineering tasks and be able to use their hardware expertise to rapidly test prototype solutions.
We are seeking candidates with design experience to participate in the development of RF Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) systems, surrogate builds, digital twins, and hardware modeling support platforms that integrate a variety of electrical subsystems, ranging from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to custom-designed boards. The successful candidate will contribute to the design process of a growing hardware team by participating in design reviews with comprehensive design documentation, building and executing automated test suites, and collaborating to ensure quality outputs and support for future design re-use.
What you will do:
- Develop rapid prototype RF solutions to go from free space to bits using a combination of COTS and custom designs
- Work in a laboratory environment utilizing test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, VNAs etc.) to characterize and debug complex electronic systems
- Prepare and execute test events for customers and internal and external stakeholders
- Lead efforts to develop lab-based acquisition and control platforms to aid in test and characterization of hardware systems
- Serve as the hardware team representative on interdisciplinary efforts to contribute knowledge of system architecture and focused processor implementations
- Participate in proposal efforts by providing input on technical path and BOM/cost and schedule estimates
Who you are:
- This position requires the ability to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
- BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5 years of related experience OR a MS and 3 years
- Proven expertise of electrical circuit design principles in at least one of the following areas: RF, analog, or digital
- Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to mentor junior engineering staff
- Experience preparing and presenting technical material to customers and internal staff
- Experience leading hardware efforts from concept to implementation managing cost and scheduling requirements
Nice to Haves:
- Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
- Strong RF design or implementation background with experience in system analysis and component characterization
- Experience with FPGA forward and reverse engineering processes and methodology
- Experience with RF electromagnetics theory, antenna modeling, and link budget analysis for OTA testing
- Experience integrating and working with software defined radios and RFSOC platforms
- Experience developing PCB-based designs and implementing FPGA and embedded software to support HWIL and surrogate designs
- Experience with Analog and RF circuit simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Spice, MATLAB/Simulink, Microwave Office)
- Experience in DSP or other signal processing skills
- Experience using and developing tools and test software for Linux (e.g., Red Hat, Ubuntu)
- Software development in support of RF systems testing with a variety of tools/packages in MATLAB, Python, or C++
- Knowledge of PCB design and fabrication principles and familiarity with industry standard CAD tools (e.g., Cadence, Altium, Eagle)
- Digital/FPGA HDL experience using dedicated design tools (e.g., Vivado, Quartus, Simulink/HDL Coder)
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $134,000 - $184,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Final offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 5 years of related experience, or a master’s degree with 3 years of related experience
- Expertise in electrical circuit design principles in RF, analog, or digital systems
- Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to mentor junior engineering staff
- Experience preparing and presenting technical material to customers and internal staff
- Experience leading hardware efforts from concept through implementation while managing cost and schedule requirements
- Active Top Secret security clearance
- Strong RF design or implementation experience, including system analysis and component characterization
- Experience with FPGA forward and reverse engineering
- Experience with RF electromagnetics, antenna modeling, and link-budget analysis for over-the-air testing
- Experience integrating software-defined radios and RFSoC platforms
- Experience developing PCB designs and FPGA or embedded software for HWIL and surrogate systems
- Experience with analog and RF simulation and modeling tools such as SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, or Microwave Office
- DSP or other signal-processing experience
- Experience using or developing Linux test software, including Red Hat or Ubuntu
- Software development for RF systems testing using MATLAB, Python, or C++
- Knowledge of PCB design and fabrication principles and industry-standard CAD tools such as Cadence, Altium, or Eagle
- Digital or FPGA HDL experience using tools such as Vivado, Quartus, or Simulink/HDL Coder
What the Team is Saying
STR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are highlighted by a 401(k) with a 4% company match plus a 6% profit-sharing contribution, which can materially boost total rewards if paid as advertised. This combination stands out repeatedly as a core strength of the package.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical and dental insurance, STR-paid vision, employer HSA/HRA contributions, and company-paid life and disability insurance. Mental-health, financial counseling, and an employee assistance program add breadth to the core protections.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents is offered alongside PTO and company holidays. Dependent-care options and commuter and wellness perks further support family and lifestyle needs.
STR Insights
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
