Hybrid RF/ Radio Engineer (HYBRID- Aberdeen, Maryland) at Fairwinds Technologies

RF/Radio Engineer

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
 Type: Hybrid (Up to 40 hours/week in-office as needed)
 Salary Range: $110,000 – $150,000 annually
 Target Recruiting Area: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington D.C.

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking an RF/Radio Engineer to design, test, and integrate advanced radio frequency solutions for tactical communications systems. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in RF system architecture, waveform performance analysis, and antenna design to support next-generation C4ISR capabilities. This position will play a critical role in the Drone + 5G program, integrating high-performance RF subsystems into UAV platforms to enable resilient, high-throughput communications across contested and austere environments.

This role reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves working closely with customers and engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge mechanical designs for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize RF front-end architectures for tactical radios, 5G modems, and SATCOM terminals.
• Conduct link budget analysis, waveform performance evaluation, and antenna placement optimization.
• Integrate RF subsystems into UAV payloads for the Fairwinds-Gambit joint drone communications effort.
• Perform RF propagation modeling for airborne, ground, and hybrid mesh networks.
• Support EMI/EMC compliance testing and RF interference mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and network engineering teams for end-to-end system integration.
• Contribute to or author technical documentation, system specifications, and integration guides.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in RF system design and integration.
• Proficiency with RF analysis tools (HFSS, CST, ADS, Microwave Office, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with tactical radios, SDR platforms, and military communications standards (MIL-STD-188, JTRS).
• Knowledge of RF propagation in mobile, airborne, and SATCOM environments.
• Experience with Tactical and Commercial MANET Radios 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for RF hardware.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in RF Engineering or related field.
• Experience integrating RF payloads into UAV platforms, including radome design and airborne antenna placement.
• Familiarity with 5G NR, NTN, and advanced mesh networking waveforms.
• Background in beamforming, phased array antennas, or MIMO systems.
• Prior experience in defense or aerospace programs involving airborne comms systems.
• Knowledge of spectrum management and dynamic spectrum access for tactical environments.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not supervise others.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Some Remote/Hybrid work is also possible.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel 25-30% when required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Why Join Us:

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Compensation- Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience.