Radar Hardware Engineer

General Summary of Position:

The Radar Hardware Engineer position will be tasked with supporting STL’s senior electrical engineering team in RF to mm-wave system design, test, construction, and repair. The individual will also explore new areas of interest that are synergistic with STL’s overall mission and support STL’s DoD sponsor as directed by senior STL personnel.

1. Instrumentation Radar Development:

• Support STL’s senior staff members in the development, assembly, documentation and repair of instrumentation radar and related electronics systems operating in the RF to THz regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Interface with STL senior staff in support of the development of electronics system and sub-system performance specifications.

2. Digital Electronics System Development:

• As directed, engage in activities such as: The application of microcontrollers, SBCs, and/or FPGAs in support of instrumentation-radar system development and characterization. The application of other digital or related technologies (i.e. ADCs, SDRs) in support of instrumentation-radar system development and characterization. The integration and miniaturization of digital and/or analog-to-digital system and subsystems when directed by STL senior staff.

3. Analog/RF Electronics System Development:

• As directed, engage in activities such as: LabVIEW or Matlab scientific programming. DC/RF/microwave/mm-wave discrete and/or integrated (PCB) subsystem design/layout. Troubleshooting of new and previously existing radar hardware systems. Development of data acquisition hardware and software. Development and construction of motion control electronics systems and software. Component-level layout and assembly (including soldering) of electronics systems and sub-systems. Assist STL staff with ordering of parts including the generation of purchase orders. Pursue the integration and miniaturization of analog RF/microwave systems and subsystems when directed by STL senior staff.

4. Other Support & Technical Development:

• Collaborate with STL senior staff to explore new technical areas of scientific investigation synergistic with STL’s broad mission and staff technical interests.
• Assist STL’s Manager – Compact Range Systems with compact range measurement configuration, setup, and execution when needed.

Other Job Duties:

• To meet current specific sponsor requests, other related activities may be assigned by STL’s Director or STL’s Manager – Compact Range Systems.
• This program requires strict adherence to STL’s Security Policies, Safety Procedures, Technology Control Plan, and other security/safety related policies established by STL’s FSO, COR, and Director.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

• A recent bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field is required.

Security Clearance:

• The candidate must be able to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance within 6 months from the date of hire and maintain the clearance while employed at STL.

Additional Considerations:

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience with analog electronics – systems/circuits.
• Good computer programming skills (e.g., LabVIEW, Matlab, Python, C/C++).
• Experience in and an understanding of microwave electronics, components, circuits, microcontrollers, and FPGAs (Xilinx), radar or related systems/electronics, PCB design and layout, digital signal processing algorithms and hardware, signals and systems, as well as analog/RF circuit design.
• Familiarity with common electronics instrumentation (signal generators, oscilloscopes, DVMs) and soldering/electronics assembly.
• Experience documenting electronics development, including text descriptions/reports as well as circuit/block diagrams.
• The ideal candidate will have the ability to work independently as well as with a technically diverse engineering team.
• The ideal candidate will also be highly motivated and have solid interpersonal and deadline management skills.
• Overnight travel within the U.S. approx. 1-4 weeks per year may be required.
• Given the nature and responsibilities of the position, only current U.S. Citizens will be considered for this position.

Internal/External Communications:

• This position requires regular interaction with outside vendors and DoD contracting officers.
• Regular interaction with STL staff is also required, especially STL’s Radar Technician, Electronics and Computing Hardware Engineer, Manager – Compact Range Systems, and Director.
• Patient and effective written and oral communication is necessary