RF Engineer

RF Engineer

LOCATION: On Site - Kirtland AFB, NM

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: DoD Secret clearance w/ TS/SCI eligibility

CERTIFICATION: N/A

TRAVEL: <10%

Astrion is seeking an RF Engineer to support space-based RF hardware development, EMI/EMC testing, and spectrum management activities for advanced research programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate in Albuquerque, NM. This position offers a hands-on opportunity to work on AFRL space vehicle and ground systems, contributing to lab testing, technical documentation, and spectrum coordination across military, government, and industry stakeholders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• U.S. Citizenship required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, RF Engineering, or a related discipline with an RF focus

• 3+ years of hands-on engineering and/or testing experience with radio-frequency systems

• Experience planning and conducting RF lab and/or field tests, including data acquisition and analysis

• Proficiency with RF test equipment, including:

• Spectrum analyzers

• Vector network analyzers (VNAs)

• Signal generators

• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data modeling and analysis

• Familiarity with EMI/EMC testing concepts (especially MIL-STD-461)

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Attention to detail in testing and documentation processes

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Experience supporting DoD space programs, particularly in PNT or small satellite systems

• Familiarity with frequency management tools: DD Form 1494, EL-CID, Spectrum XXI

• Experience with RF system calibration and ESD best practices

• Previous work in classified or secure lab environments

• Demonstrated ability to support multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Prior involvement with EMI/EMC lab setups, equipment selection, and testing

• Ability to adapt quickly between lab tasks, documentation, and coordination with external partners

RESPONSIBILITIES

RF Integration & Test Engineering (70%)

• Set up, calibrate, and operate RF test configurations for lab and field environments

• Conduct testing of RF components, subsystems, and full systems

• Perform EMI/EMC testing to MIL-STD-461 standards

• Analyze RF test data and present findings to engineering teams and stakeholders

• Support verification and validation (V&V) of hardware to meet program requirements

• Contribute to test planning, execution, and technical documentation

• Participate in design reviews and review vendor test plans and deliverables

• Enforce and maintain lab safety protocols and recommend process improvements

• Assist in post-delivery testing of flight and ground hardware

Spectrum Management & Frequency Coordination (30%)

• Support spectrum certification and frequency coordination for AFRL programs

• Prepare and submit DD Form 1494s using EL-CID and Spectrum XXI

• Represent AFRL in national pre-coordination working group meetings

• Coordinate with stakeholders including NASA, AFSMO, DoC, SMC, and AFSPC

• Manage local spectrum usage for terrestrial system testing

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily located in a research and development lab with hands-on testing

• Use of advanced RF equipment: VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators

• Occasional office-based work for analysis, documentation, and reporting

• Occasional physical activity: lifting equipment up to 125 lbs (with assistance), use of ladders, carts, and lab handling tools