RF Modeling and Simulation Engineer - Multiple Levels

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

AV is seeking Mid-level to Senior-level RF Modeling and Simulation Engineers to work onsite at our Albuquerque, New Mexico or Germantown, Maryland offices. These positions support the analysis, development, integration, verification, and production of advanced RF, phased-array, aerospace, and electromechanical systems.

RF Modeling and Simulation Engineers at AV develop system-level models and analysis tools that guide architecture, design, performance prediction, test planning, and production decisions. The ideal candidate has experience with RF system modeling, phased-array analysis, electromagnetic simulation, and correlation of analytical results with measured data.

You will collaborate with RF, digital hardware, antenna, PCB layout, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, assembly, systems, and test teams throughout the product lifecycle—from early architecture and design trades through verification, qualification, production, and field support. Senior-level engineers may lead modeling activities, establish analysis methods, mentor engineers, and provide technical direction.

Position Responsibilities

- Develop RF system, antenna, and phased-array models covering propagation, element behavior, beamforming, RF distribution, amplification, frequency conversion, digitization, and system interfaces.
- Analyze performance metrics such as gain, loss, noise figure, EIRP, scan loss, beam patterns, sidelobes, phase and amplitude error, dynamic range, and link margin.
- Evaluate the effects of component tolerances, calibration residuals, thermal drift, mutual coupling, packaging, layout, and assembly variation.
- Use MATLAB, HFSS, ADS, CST, Python, or comparable tools to develop reusable models, simulation workflows, automated analyses, and technical visualizations.
- Define and document model assumptions, interfaces, parameters, units, limitations, and validity ranges.
- Automate parameter sweeps, uncertainty studies, sensitivity analyses, optimization, and design trade studies.
- Correlate model predictions with measured data from RF boards, phased-array tiles, subsystems, antenna ranges, chambers, and production testing.
- Work with design and test engineers to investigate model-to-measurement differences, identify physical causes, and update models using controlled evidence.
- Provide performance margins, sensitivity results, and recommendations for architecture, component selection, PCB layout, calibration, packaging, and assembly decisions.
- Support requirements development, verification planning, test definition, and technical closure through analysis and measurable predictions.
- Participate in design, test-readiness, production-readiness, and customer technical reviews.
- Maintain configuration-controlled records of model inputs, outputs, revisions, configurations, and correlation results.
- Lead technical tasks, modeling efforts, special projects, or process improvements based on experience.
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and promote reusable, traceable, and disciplined modeling practices.
- Support occasional travel to customer, supplier, test, or field locations as required.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
- Mid-Level: Typically five or more years of relevant experience in RF modeling, electromagnetic simulation, array analysis, RF system development, or related hardware development.
- Senior-Level: Typically eight or more years of relevant experience, including demonstrated technical leadership in RF modeling, simulation, or system analysis.
- Strong understanding of RF systems, phased-array architecture, beamforming, antennas, RF front ends, propagation, mixed-signal interfaces, and measurement correlation.
- Advanced MATLAB experience and working proficiency with at least one additional tool, such as HFSS, ADS, CST, Python, or a comparable RF simulation environment.
- Ability to define engineering assumptions, quantify sensitivity and uncertainty, and communicate model limitations clearly.
- Experience applying analysis results to design decisions, requirements evidence, test planning, or technical recommendations.
- Strong analytical, technical writing, visualization, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required by the program.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

- Experience modeling digital beamforming, calibration, scan performance, mutual coupling, thermal effects, or array pattern behavior.
- Experience with link budgets, EIRP, noise figure, P1dB, IP3, dynamic range, EVM, ACLR, phase noise, or related RF performance metrics.
- Experience correlating simulations with VNA, spectrum analyzer, antenna-range, chamber, production-test, or other measured data.
- Experience with RF boards, phased-array tiles, antenna interfaces, RF front ends, or high-density electronic assemblies.
- Familiarity with Altium, SQL or engineering data systems, automated test environments, and hardware configuration control.
- Experience developing reusable simulation frameworks, automated analysis tools, or engineering visualization methods.
- Knowledge of uncertainty quantification, statistical analysis, optimization, or design-of-experiments methods.
- Experience supporting prototype development, production transition, qualification testing, or fielded aerospace and defense systems.
- Current and active U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Core Competencies

- RF system and phased-array modeling
- Electromagnetic and RF simulation
- Beamforming, antenna, propagation, and link analysis
- Simulation automation and reusable tool development
- Sensitivity, uncertainty, and engineering trade analysis
- Simulation-to-test correlation
- Technical communication and data visualization
- Cross-functional collaboration and hardware integration
- Technical leadership, mentorship, and task ownership

Career Framework

- Track: Engineering
- Discipline: Electrical Engineering / RF Modeling and Simulation
- Level: Engineer III through Senior Engineer, based on qualifications and experience
- Focus Areas: RF System Modeling, Phased-Array Analysis, Electromagnetic Simulation, Beamforming, Antenna and Propagation Modeling, Link Budgets, Simulation Automation, Test Correlation, and Performance Analysis

At AV, mid-to-senior-level RF Modeling and Simulation Engineers work on technically challenging products that support critical aerospace and defense missions. You will use advanced modeling tools, work directly with complex RF hardware and test data, and help turn analysis into practical engineering decisions. Senior engineers will have opportunities to lead technical efforts, establish modeling practices, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent.

Location: This position is based in either Albuquerque, NM or Germantown, MD.

Salary Range $75,000 to $160,000 (This range is broad as we are hiring for multiple levels for this role. Salary will be determined within range based at entry, mid, or senior-level based on level of experience.)