RF Engineer I - New Grad (R6108)

The role

You will help test RF modules, assemblies and interfaces for airborne and ground systems on the X-BAT Engineering team. You will run documented test plans with mentorship, record results, and support analysis, troubleshooting and qualification work.

What you will do

• Execute documented RF test plans and procedures with mentorship and produce traceable results.
• Characterize RF modules and assemblies, including S-parameters, gain, loss, output power, harmonics, noise figure and receiver sensitivity.
• Set up and operate vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes and related lab instruments.
• Calibrate measurement setups and account for cables, fixtures and other sources of error.
• Develop simple test fixtures, harnesses and interface adapters; perform basic soldering and rework.
• Automate instrument control, data collection and analysis using Python, MATLAB or similar tools.
• Compare measured performance with requirements and summarize conclusions in engineering reports.
• Troubleshoot test anomalies with senior engineers.
• Support EMI/EMC pre-compliance, MIL-STD-461, environmental and flight or ground test activities.
• Collaborate with RF, electrical, mechanical, systems, software and manufacturing teams.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or a related technical field, completed or expected within 12 months of the anticipated start date.
• Coursework, research, project or internship experience in RF or microwave engineering, communications, electromagnetics, analog circuits or electronic hardware testing.
• Fundamental understanding of S-parameters, impedance, transmission lines, gain and loss, noise, power and frequency response.
• Hands-on laboratory experience from coursework, research, an internship, a student organization or a personal project.
• Basic programming and data-analysis skills in Python, MATLAB or a similar environment.
• Ability to follow test procedures, document setups and results accurately, and ask for guidance.
• Clear written and verbal communication and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work on-site in a laboratory and hardware-development environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with a vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, oscilloscope or noise-figure analyzer.
• Experience automating lab instruments or analyzing measurement data with Python, MATLAB, SCPI or similar.
• Familiarity with RF simulation or design tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS or CST.
• Experience with PCB bring-up, soldering, RF connectors, cables, test fixtures or harnesses.
• Exposure to EMI/EMC or MIL-STD-461 testing.
• Exposure to environmental, qualification, reliability or acceptance testing of electronic hardware.
• Experience on a university design team, research lab or project in aerospace, defense, robotics, communications or other high-reliability hardware.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance, if required by the program.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possibly a reference check.
• An S//SAR level security clearance may be required by the program.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.
• Pay depends on factors such as skill set, experience, licenses, certifications and work location.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.