Principal Systems Engineer - Radio Frequency

ZipRecruiter - Fairfax, VA

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Fairfax, VA

About the position

The position at Trident Systems involves leading a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, and data storage units for space applications. The role emphasizes collaboration across engineering disciplines to perform system analysis, design, and implementation of complex RF systems while ensuring program execution aligns with cost and schedule constraints. The candidate will act as the technical representative for the program, overseeing engineering planning and execution, and will be responsible for presenting at major design reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, and/or data storage units for space applications.
• Perform end-to-end system analysis, link budget development, simulation, design, and implementation of complex multifunction RF systems, subsystems, and components.
• Collaborate with program management to lead program execution within cost and schedule constraints.
• Act as the program technical representative / point of contact.
• Oversee engineering program planning and execution, assigning appropriate staff to projects and interacting with program management and divisional leadership.
• Own the engineering development process on the program, ensuring proper systems analysis, technical baseline management, and requirements verification and validation activities are completed.
• Prepare for and present at all major design reviews, including internal and external (customer) reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) field.
• 10 years of experience including 2+ years' experience as a technical project lead (e.g. IPT lead, functional lead, or equivalent).
• Multidiscipline knowledge in all areas related to engineering including system, hardware, software/firmware, and integration and test.
• Broad understanding of RF system design, including high-speed electrical principles, transmission line theory, field theory, RF noise, power budgets, and frequency planning.
• Experience with layout of high-speed RF circuits, including knowledge of PCB and flex materials/properties.
• Experience using CAD tools for RF system design, modeling, and simulation.
• Capable of using Microsoft Office and Atlassian tools for task planning, execution, documentation, and communication.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work and present in a team environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity and working knowledge of digital radar and electronic countermeasure systems, antenna theory and/or radio wave propagation.
• Extensive experience in aerospace RF/radar systems design and development.
• Lead RF/radar subsystem/payload engineer or experience on one or more airborne or space programs.
• Familiarity with digital signal processing techniques, MATLAB, and other DSP simulation tools.

Benefits

• Hybrid/remote work options available.
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.