Senior RF Engineer

Job Description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The Artificial Perception & Threat Awareness (APTA) division at SARA is making the future of Aerospace and Autonomy happen now, with a charter to create new and emerging sensor perception technologies for Commercial & Military markets. Our innovative technologies include RF, optical and acoustic sensors enabled with innovative embedded algorithms, machine learning and robust networking.

SARA, Inc. is looking for an experienced Senior RF Engineer to join a team of talented program managers, engineers, software developers, physicists, and technicians on long-term programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in our Artificial Perception and Threat Awareness (APTA) division, located in Cypress and San Juan Capistrano, CA. The candidate will have the opportunity to exercise their initiative, adaptability, and drive in a fast-paced, highly technical environment while contributing to our Homing Seekers Mission Area.

Core Responsibilities:

Contributing to the technical efforts of the mission area and assigned program teams to include basic research and ongoing programs

Contributing to overall technical design and approach for systems and subsystems, with emphasis on RF considerations and performance

Working with division and business management to help develop product roadmaps and execution plans

Cultivating an effective work relationship with internal and external customers and stakeholders

Contributing to the business development process, to include marketing, internal research and development, and proposal generation

Working with program and contract management to ensure all contractual requirements are met

Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

8 – 10 years of experience in RF design

Strong background in RF theory as well as practical engineering issues

Strong Systems Engineering knowledge and application

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including developing requirements documents, test plans, test reports, and technical briefings to both customers and team members

US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

May require moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds

Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field, plus 10 – 15 years of relevant RF experience

Or Master’s Degree plus 8 – 13 years of experience

A working knowledge of signal processing algorithms and software programming

A working knowledge of environmental testing, such as thermal, vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC

Experience with digital circuit design

Experience with high-speed printed circuit board design considerations

Hands-on skill at integration and testing, including the use of a full range of lab instrumentation and experience with an RF chamber

Familiarity with antenna design, including types and tradeoffs

Active DoD Secret clearance, TS preferred

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs

A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)

Tuition & certification reimbursement

Flexible work schedules

Discretionary Employee bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $105,000 to $150,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Full-time

Hybrid remote