The RF Engineer leads the design, analysis, and integration of RF and antenna systems across Zone 5 products. This role is responsible for developing high-performance communication and RF architectures that operate reliably in complex electromagnetic environments. 

You will work across the full lifecycle—from concept and trade studies through integration, test, and production—partnering closely with Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software, Integration, and Test to deliver robust, scalable RF solutions. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design, model, simulate, and integrate RF and antenna systems across multiple frequency bands and technologies.  

• Define RF system requirements and drive architecture decisions through analysis, trade studies, and feasibility assessments.  

• Perform RF analysis including link budgets, antenna patterns, RF chain performance, interference/desense, and installed system effects.  

• Develop and validate RF/data link models and communication performance simulations.  

• Conduct hardware and software trade studies to optimize RF system performance, robustness, and scalability.  

• Support design, prototyping, integration, and qualification of wireless communication systems.  

• Debug and characterize RF issues including noise sources, interference, and aggressor/victim interactions.  

• Integrate RF subsystems with avionics, payloads, and platform constraints to ensure end-to-end system performance.  

• Develop and maintain internal RF modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.  

• Support test activities including lab validation, ground testing, and flight test data analysis.  

• Present technical findings in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and leadership discussions.  

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to RF engineering standards and best practices.  

Qualifications 

Required 

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.  

• 7+ years of experience in RF system design, analysis, or integration.  

• Strong experience with RF architectures including transceivers, front-end design, and antenna integration.  

• Familiarization with MANET radios (e.g. Silvus, Persistent Systems, DTC, or similar). 

• Proficiency with RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar).  

• Experience performing RF system analysis (interference, system performance).  

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, RTSP, and other transmission protocols, with the ability to perform link budget and data throughput analysis. 

• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators).  

• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++, bash) for modeling and data analysis. 

• Strong troubleshooting skills in complex RF environments.  

• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively across IPTs.  

Preferred 

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.  

• Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) or contested electromagnetic environments.  

• Familiarity with communication systems, signal processing, and data link design.  

• Experience with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium) and hardware implementation.  

• Understanding of antenna theory and real-world integration constraints.  

• Experience designing for manufacturability, cost, and production scalability.  

• Experience supporting flight test or deployed RF systems.  

• Active or eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance. 

Pay Range by Level for Fort Worth, TX:

Level IV - $141k - $171k
Level V - $171k - $199k
Level VI - $199k - $230k

The GNC Engineer V/VI is a senior-level individual contributor role responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAS. This position involves driving innovation in flight controls software, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver cutting-edge UAS technologies. Engineers in this role will contribute to strategic initiatives, ensure high performance in flight control systems, and lead efforts from concept to flight testing.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.

• Software Development: Architect and implement advanced software components for deployment to flight tests.

• Simulation Expertise: Oversee the creation and execution of high-fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.

• Advanced Modeling: Develop and refine complex models in Matlab/Simulink, ensuring accuracy and performance optimization.

• Controls Analysis: Perform advanced stability and performance analyses, providing guidance on control system optimization.

• Mentorship: Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.

• Innovation and R&D: Lead research initiatives in advanced flight control methodologies, embedded systems, and auto-code generation.

• Documentation and Review: Produce comprehensive technical documentation and lead peer review processes to ensure quality and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.

• Skills:

  • Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto-code generation for embedded systems.

  • Advanced knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, and embedded systems.

  • Experienced in state estimation and Kalman filtering.

  • Proven ability to run and analyze SWIL and HWIL simulations.

  • Strong leadership and project management skills.

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.

  • Familiarity with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls and avionics suites.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

  • Knowledge of advanced control techniques and optimization algorithms.

  • History of contributing to successful flight test programs and R&D projects.

Pay Range by level - 

Level V - $188,000 - $216,000

Level VI - $216,000 - $250,000

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