RF Hardware Engineer
Fort Meade, Maryland
Fort Meade, Maryland
Job Responsibilities
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Cyber Software Engineer Princ. - DSP
WHAT WE'RE DOING
Lockheed Martin, Cyber & Intelligence invites you to step up to one of today’s most daunting challenges: the evolving threat of cyber warfare. As a cyber security professional at Lockheed Martin, you’ll protect the networks that our citizens and the world depend upon each minute. Here, you’ll work with cybersecurity experts on the forefront of threat protection and proactive prevention. In this fast-paced, real-world environment, you’ll draw on all your education and experience as well as the resources of Lockheed Martin to keep the threats at bay.
THE WORK
The GG RF Design Engineer is a critical role responsible for designing, installing, and testing RF systems, with a focus on SATCOM components and devices operating in various frequency bands, including but not limited to C-band, X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, and Q/V-band. The successful candidate will be working on complex RF system design, installation, and test, and will be required to travel up to 15% worldwide. The RF Design Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our RF systems, from design to deployment, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet user requirements. The following are the primary functions of the position:
● RF Design and Design, install, and test RF / SATCOM hardware (C‑, X‑, Ku‑, Ka‑, Q/V‑band) while accounting for atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric scintillation, rain‑fade, and polarization‑mismatch effects.
● Conduct site surveys, climb antennas, rack and align hardware, and operate earth‑terminal control consoles to establish and maintain wide‑band and satellite communication links.
● Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot on‑the‑spot malfunctions; apply anti‑jamming techniques and enforce safety/maintenance procedures.
● Use Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers to measure S‑parameters, P1dB, TOI, NF, phase‑noise, group‑delay, and perform non‑linear analysis (IMD, spectral regrowth).
● Produce AutoCAD/Visio drawings, block diagrams, schematics, and technical design packages;
● Prepare engineering plans, as‑built documentation, test reports, and maintenance records; coordinate with cross‑functional teams (system architects, PMs, test sites).
● Travel up‑to 15 % worldwide to support installations, testing, and maintenance in remote or austere environments.
WHO WE ARE
The program performs the analysis, design, development, integration, test and deployment, securing, modernization, and operations and maintenance (O&M) and decommissioning activities of RF and optical capabilities.
WHY JOIN US
Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life
Our flexible schedules, competitive pay and comprehensive benefits enable you to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work.
Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s competitive and comprehensive benefits package.
Basic Qualifications:
● Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education.
● Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
● Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation.
● Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.
● Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
● Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
● Ability to carry equipment, climb antennas, and rack hardware.
● Knowledgeable of RF design, installation, and test, with a focus on SATCOM systems.
● Travel up to 15% worldwide.
●Possess all capabilities as defined by the GG Statement of work (SOW) Appendix B for the USG standard SE labor category level 2.
***You must possess the requisite security clearance and polygraphs to apply to this position***
Desired Skills:
● Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar field.
● Hands‑on proficiency with Keysight PNA‑X, FieldFox, Spec‑A, RF signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and BER testers.
● Expertise in AutoCAD, Visio (or equivalent) for creating schematics, block diagrams, and layout drawings.
● Strong ability to perform antenna‑pattern, G/T, and link‑budget analyses that incorporate rain‑fade, pointing‑error, and polarization‑mismatch considerations.
● Knowledge of RF distribution, RF Switching, low power amplifiers, power supplies, and BITE solutions.
● Programming/scripting skills in Python or VBA for instrument control, data acquisition, and API integration (e.g., automating PNA‑X measurements).
● Experience developing preventive‑maintenance schedules, conducting equipment inspections, and authoring safety‑rule documentation; familiar with Air Force, Army, Navy, and joint maintenance management procedures.
● Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of producing technical reports, engineering plans, and briefing packages for multi‑service audiences.
● Proven problem‑solving record: troubleshooting complex RF hardware, analyzing data printouts, and implementing corrective actions that improve performance and maintainability.
● Leadership/mentoring ability: lead inspection teams, supervise maintenance activities, and train site personnel.
● Commitment to continuous learning; staying current with emerging SATCOM technologies, standards, and communication techniques (ie. 5G, frequency reuse, etc.)
Equivalent Service‑Specific Career Fields:
U.S. Navy – EM‑2 or EM‑6 (Electronic Technician – Satellite/Communications) – installation, test, and maintenance of satellite‑communications hardware.
U.S. Marine Corps – 2421 (Satellite/Communications Systems Technician) – support of SATCOM and telemetry systems.
U.S. Army – 25R (Signal Support Systems Specialist) – satellite‑terminal installation, testing, and sustainment.
U.S. Coast Guard – 1810 (Electronics Technician – Communications) – maritime satellite communications maintenance.
U.S. Space Force – 13S (Space Operations) – satellite communications and telemetry operations/upkeep.
Civilian/DOE – Equivalent engineering or technical positions with documented SATCOM/telemetry experience – comparable duties and qualifications
Additional Skills:
● Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience in troubleshooting complex RF systems.
● Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work effectively in a team environment.
● Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, with a focus on staying current with emerging trends and technologies in SATCOM.
Clearance Level: TS/SCI w/Poly SP
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: 9x80 every other Friday off
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $104,500 - $184,115. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: RMS
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Hardware Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First
About
At Lockheed Martin, we apply our passion for purposeful innovation to keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges.
Pioneering Defense Technology: From aerospace to outer space to cyber space, you can innovate mission solutions alongside the best minds in the business.
United By Culture: Excellence, integrity, and collaboration define us. We accelerate change and embrace one another’s perspectives to win for our customers.
Real Impact, Real Growth: Grow your career and skills for life. Our wide array of opportunities and technology-driven learning programs enable your development and agility.
Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life: Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules designed so you thrive — at work and beyond.
Empowered to Be Your Best: Use your strengths to make a difference in the lives of one another, our customers, our communities, and our planet.
Here, the possibilities are endless because we offer:
- Flexible Schedules, dependent on role
- Levels: Student, Entry, Mid, Senior, Management
- Locations: Nationwide & OCONUS Positions
Qualifications
See what it takes to be a successful Lockheed Martin employee.
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Collaborative
There is no innovation without imagination. You bring new, different and exciting ideas to the table every day. You are committed to the success of your team.
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Curious
The ability to explore and drive new ideas. You think innovatively to come up with creative solutions to complex challenges.
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Goal-oriented
From planning and organizing to decision making, goal orientation produces impactful results. You set goals and strive to make things happen quickly and efficiently.
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Proactive
The ability to anticipate, plan and prepare for what lies ahead. You act rather than react to potential situations.
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Problem Solver
You work to tackle tough problems with complex solutions.
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Strategic
You observe, reflect and analyze processes to make more informed decisions.
Quote
“Before I came to Lockheed Martin, I never thought I’d get these opportunities. The benefits available and the company’s value culture make it an incredibly supportive place to work, and I’m grateful to work somewhere that wants me to succeed. I hope to have a long career here making an impact, and I know I’ll be supported in doing that every step of the way.”
Ryan J., Enterprise Operations
Benefits
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Healthcare
Medical, Dental and Vision coverage is available for employees who opt-in.
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401(k)/Retirement Plans
Our 401(k) plan features generous matching and company contributions.
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Professional Development
We support our employees through mentoring, internal & external educational programs, networking, skills enhancement and career-building programs.
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Maternity and Paternity Leave
Our generous parental leave policies support your journey into parenthood. When you return to work, our facilities offer mother's rooms to support your transition and work/life balance.
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Paid Time Off
We offer PTO, paid holidays and paid time off for jury duty and military obligations.
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Flex-time
Depending on the position, we offer flexible work schedules.
