RF Front-End Engineer (HYBRID- APG Maryland)

at  Fairwinds Technologies L

ABOUT US:

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S. engineering company specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Radio Frequency Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technologies. We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems used in austere military environments. We provide communications, networking, and information technology solutions for defense and civilian agencies around the world.

RF FRONT-END ENGINEER

Fairwinds is looking for innovators who can successfully execute across multiple disciplines as part of a small business environment. An ideal candidate would be an out of the box thinker, develop innovative solutions, and provide expertise in RF Front End circuit, system and solutions level development and verification.
Candidate is expected to have experience in communications systems & test engineering, including broad band antenna technologies and phased array SATCOM antenna systems, experience in RF filter technologies as well as front-end amplifier design and verification. You will join the team of the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and support funded DoD and IR&D projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in electrical engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in RF front-end design and testing, with a focus on LNAs, power amplifiers, antennas, and filters.
• 5+ years experience with design and test of different omni and direction antenna technologies such as patch, parabolic, sector and phased arrays antennas operating between 50MHz and 6GHz
• Proficiency with antenna simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, FEKO).
• Proficiency with antenna testing and measurement in differing environments (anechoic chambers and outdoors)
• Proficiency in RF simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS or similar.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
• Strong knowledge of RF principles, transmission lines, impedance matching, and electromagnetic theory.
• 5+ years of experience of RF Design & layout for designs between 50 MHz and 6 GHz.
• Ability to Travel up to 30% of the time.
• Ability to brief non-technical Senior Leadership with experience briefing on highly technical matters.
• US Citizen
• Active Secret or higher DoD Security Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with wireless communication standards (e.g., LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi).
• Experience in PCB design and layout for high-frequency applications.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC mitigation techniques and RF shielding.
• Ability to write scripts for data analysis or test automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Experience with MIMO systems, and beamforming technologies
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance for commercial and government antennas
• 2+ years of experience with ADRV and ZCU eval boards.

• Design and Development:
• Design, simulate, and optimize RF front-end components, including LNAs, power amplifiers, antennas, and filters, to meet system-level requirements.
• Utilize RF design tools and methodologies for circuit and system-level development.
• Develop compact, high-efficiency, and cost-effective solutions for RF front-end integration.
• Ability to select and/or design antennas for a wide range of applications (both mobile and stationary)
• Analyze and interpret simulation/test data to optimize antenna performance.
• Testing and Validation
• Ability to drive antenna test procedures as well as execute antenna gain, directivity testing in both anechoic chambers and outdoors
• Testing and Validation:
• Conduct testing, tuning, and characterization of RF components and systems in both lab and field environments.
• Perform measurements such as S-parameters, noise figure, return loss, and intermodulation distortion using RF test equipment (e.g., network analyzers, spectrum analyzers).
• Debug and troubleshoot RF hardware to resolve performance issues.
• Collaboration and Documentation:
• Work closely with system architects, PCB layout engineers, and firmware developers to ensure seamless integration of RF components.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including design reports, schematics, and test procedures.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and contribute to the innovation of RF systems.