Senior RF Engineer

Job ID: 7729
Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is in search of a Senior Electrical Engineer with a minimum of 15 years of experience focusing on RF and Microwave hardware design to work primarily on the Iris Radio with our Civil & Commercial Space Division. The Iris Radio is a software defined radio intended for deep space operation to Mars, the Moon, asteroids, and other locations throughout our solar system. At the present time the Iris Radio is receiving a significant interest in the space commSenior unity as the team is updating the design and expanding the radio’s capabilities.
Candidate experience should be focused on active RF hardware design at the individual component and PCB design. Willingness to learn and expand your knowledge and skills is required. Experience on the test bench to bring life to your designs and to integrate the designs with other team members’ designs. SDL does have a well-equipped test lab with a full suite of appropriate test equipment for your use immediately.
Expertise and knowledge of receiver and LNA design as well as transmitter and SSPA design is a minimum requirement. Additionally, a working knowledge of switch mode power supplies, digital control systems, thermal management as well as the RF system testing of the individual subassemblies and final assemblies will be required. Most of all a strong work ethic, curiosity, and intelligence will be utilized continuously.
Cooperation with others in the team and throughout the lab will be key to your success. Mentoring of other staff members and students will be expected. The selected candidate will be considered a key asset to the success of SDL’s mission and as such will be expected and respected.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plans, conducts, technically directs, and evaluates projects and major phases of significant projects
• Reviews literature, patents, and current practices relevant to assigned projects
• Conducts investigations and tests of considerable complexity
• Recommends corrections in technical application and analysis
• Serves as a peer reviewer for electrical technologies at the program level
• Supports business development efforts of division directors and business development staff
• May present at technical conferences
• Mentors engineers and students 
• Cultivates business development relationships with customers

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred)
• 15+ years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree, or 13+ years of relevant experience and a master’s degree, or 9+ years of relevant experience and a PhD
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Considered an expert Electrical Engineer with an emphasis in RF and related technologies
• Working knowledge of the lab’s core technologies and capabilities
• Demonstrated broad knowledge, understanding, and perspective of electrical systems and sensors
• Ability to mentor mid-level Engineers
• Anticipates risks and develops contingency plans to manage them
• Ability to relate well to people at all levels inside and outside of the organization with the ability to preserve relationships, even under difficult or challenging circumstances
• Ability to author written reports and/or professional papers in referred journals

• $140,700 - $197,000
  • Salary commensurate based on education and experience

This range ser