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RF Engineer Senior Principal – Antenna Design with IRAD Focus
BAE Systems
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇺🇸 United States
- On-site
- Staff / Principal
- 1 day ago
- 132,962 – 226,035
- Data Visualization
- MATLAB
- Python
- PLC
- Pension
1 day ago
Job Description
Reporting to the Manager of RF Solutions within the ESA organization, this position primarily supports the Tactical Solutions business unit as a key member of the SPARK (Strategic Prototyping & Advanced Research Knowledge) group. SPARK is a high-velocity innovation hub dedicated to the execution of IRAD projects and the development of distinguishing technologies that ensure our business unit maintains undisputed technical leadership in the industry.
SPARK brings together a powerhouse of RF, Mechanical, and M&P Engineers, alongside expert Development Technicians, to transform conceptual ideas into flight-ready hardware. Our primary mission is to optimize IRAD investment by concentrating talent and resources, ensuring that our most ambitious research is translated into tangible, discriminating capabilities. We are seeking a group of high-performing individuals with a proven track record of creativity, technical rigor, and an obsession with execution.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning, and strong execution.
What You’ll Do:
- Be responsible for the hands-on design and realization of individual antennas, phased array antennas, RF circuits, passive RF components, and RF systems.
- Use computational electromagnetic analysis software to design and predict performance on various types of antennas and apertures (spiral, sinuous, Vivaldi, patch, slot, horn, etc.).
- Design frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs) for use with various radiating apertures.
- Implement various design techniques (materials, shaping, etc.) for RCS mitigation where necessary.
- Collaborate with other engineers and technicians to realize RF designs.
- Participate and guide the testing of RF hardware for required performance metrics: VSWR, insertion loss, gain, polarization, radar cross section (RCS), etc.
- Antenna requirement evaluation, initial concept trade-off and development, in-house and customer presentations, travel, and technical proposal writing and cost/schedule estimating.
- Investigate new technologies and applications for radiating apertures, antennas, and RF systems.
- Mentor and guide more junior engineers and technicians in the design, build, and test phases of RF projects and programs.
- Provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems involving antenna/sensor-based applications such as electronic warfare, electronic attack, electronic support measures, communications, geolocation, direction finding, etc.
- Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.
- Interface well with other people at all levels including customers, use initiative in applying solutions to assignments.
- Provide technical input and support to proposals and new business opportunities.
- Assist with the preparation and delivery of presentations.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment:This position requires regular in-person engagement by workingon-site five dayseach normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
- May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
- May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
Required Skills and Education
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- A current, active Secret security clearance is required.
- Requires full competency in core RF engineering and antenna theory and skills and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
- Solid communication skills.
- Experience and skills to effectively contribute to successful producibility of designs and to cost, budget, and schedule control.
- Experience with design of antennas and passive RF components (radiating elements, radomes, power dividers, couplers, transitions, multi-layer board designs, FSSs, etc.).
- Analytical design experience using software and simulation tools such as AWR Microwave Office/Agilent ADS, CST, FEKO, HFSS, and SENTRI.
- RF antenna testing experience utilizing network analyzers, PNAs, anechoic chambers, near-field ranges, etc.
- Experience and proficiency in programming, data manipulation, and data visualization in MATLAB and Python.
- Ability to schedule and execute measurements at internal and external facilities and perform measurement analysis and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated ability to apply technical expertise in RF engineering and to leverage knowledge of other related disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to lead RF efforts and tasks and to guide technical project teams toward the completion of program goals and milestones.
Preferred Skills and Education
- Familiarity with and exposure to military and tactical communication and data systems / architectures.
About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.
Benefits Information
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.Intern Benefits: Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.
Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).
- Sector: Space & Mission Systems
- Job Category: Engineering & Technology
- Salary Min Point: 132962
- Salary Max Point: 226035
- Full Time / Part Time: Full-Time
- Career Level: Experienced
- Travel Percentage:<10%
- Shift: 1st Shift
- U.S. Person Required: Yes
- Clearance Level – Must be able to obtain for position: Secret
- Clearance Level – Must currently possess: Secret
- Country: United States
- U.S. Citizenship Required: Yes
RF Engineer Senior Principal – Antenna Design with IRAD Focus · BAE Systems