Design, model, simulate, and analyze RF and microwave systems for space/payload and SATCOM applications. Develop RF architectures, perform link budget and cascade analyses, support proposals and estimates, and integrate antennas, transmitters, and ground terminal systems. Collaborate on requirements, testing, and system-level evaluations.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking an RF Microwave Design Engineer - Level 3 to support our team in Boulder, CO.
Responsibilities
- Conducting RF/payload/communication system analysis, modeling, and simulation
- Designing and developing RF systems and corresponding analyses
- Designs, develops, tests radio frequency (RF) and/or microwave systems architecture, components, circuits, or products. Includes antenna design, both reflector and array systems, frequency synthesizers, transmitters and receivers.
- Generating specifications and analyses for ambiguous customer requirements
- Supporting RF engineering Basis of Estimates for proposals
- Execute trades and analyses for Radio Frequency systems and circuitry
- Design and develop RF systems and corresponding analyses, such as link budgets, cascade analyses, and frequency response
- Model and simulate RF systems for high-frequency and microwave applications
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience – OR – PHD with 1 year relevant experience
- Active Secret clearance required at time of application
- Understanding of Digital Communications and Signal Processing.
- Experience in modeling, simulation, and/or analysis of RF Systems, including Space-to-Ground and Payload Systems
- Design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and phased‑array and parabolic antennas.
- Experience performing Link Budget Analysis to design and optimize the communication link between the satellite and the ground station and/or Cascade Analysis to evaluate the overall performance of the payload and associated components
- Proficient with MATLAB
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Extensive RF/payload/communication experience in system analysis, modeling and simulation.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in the area of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) such as Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog analysis and testing; digital channelization, digital beamforming, digital receiver theory and technology
- Knowledge of RF performance metrics (G/T, tracking performance, axial ratio, phase variation) and EMI/RFI shielding requirements
- Ability to analyze and evaluate complex satellite test data, extensive experience working with spectrum analyzers, network analyzers and vector signal analyzers and their associated data.
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink in modeling complex communication systems.
- Experience with Basis of Estimates
- Understanding of MBSE (SysML) and
- Experience with DOORS
- Familiarity with STK
- Familiarity with HFSS.
- Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (either adjudicated or the ability to obtain SCI access)
- Comfortable with ambiguity and able to work with uncertain or incomplete information
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
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