Electrical Engineer: RF Systems

As an Electrical Engineer: RF Systems, you will be responsible for collaborating with a team of scientists and engineers, focusing on the design, implementation, and testing of high-performance electrical subsystems. Your daily tasks will include performing preliminary and critical designs using COTS or custom components, overseeing fabrication and testing processes, and working closely with Mechanical Engineering to ensure the effective thermal management of our designs.

To qualify for the Electrical Engineer: RF Systems role, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, along with at least three years of practical experience in designing, implementing, and testing electronic circuits. Proficiency with schematic capture, PCB layout, and familiarity with simulation tools like Spice or ADS is essential. Experience in RF & mmW PCB development is a valuable asset as well.

An Electrical Engineer: RF Systems will utilize a range of skills including schematic capture, PCB layout, and fabrication documentation. Additionally, knowledge of RF components, digital and mixed-signal design principles, thermal management, and the ability to work with complex electronic equipment are crucial. Strong communication skills are necessary to effectively interact with vendors and colleagues.

While it's not a strict requirement, prior experience with the design and qualification of hardware for military applications is beneficial for candidates applying for the Electrical Engineer: RF Systems position. Such experience can enhance your understanding of the unique challenges and standards involved in this field.

The base salary range for the Electrical Engineer: RF Systems position is $120,715 - $150,895, in addition to bonuses and benefits. The salary offered to individual candidates will depend on factors such as skills, experience, and location at the time of hiring.

When answering this question, detail specific projects where you've designed RF circuits. Discuss the tools you used, such as simulation software, and the challenges you faced while ensuring proper functionality and performance.

In your response, outline the steps you take for PCB layout in RF contexts. Be sure to mention important considerations such as minimizing interference, optimizing trace routes, and ensuring thermal management in your designs.

Highlight the simulation tools you have experience with, such as Spice or ADS, and provide examples of how you've used them to predict circuit behavior and validate designs before physical prototyping.

Share a specific story which illustrates your problem-solving skills. Discuss the obstacles faced, your thought process, and the ultimate solutions that led to project success, demonstrating your resilience and technical acumen.

Talk about your knowledge of industry standards such as IPC 6012 or IPC-A-610. Discuss how you incorporate these standards into your designs, perhaps through documentation or during the testing phase to ensure reliability.

Emphasize a collaborative project where you interacted with mechanical engineers or other stakeholders. Describe how you facilitated communication and integration of different engineering functions to achieve project goals.

Discuss the critical aspects of RF subsystem design such as signal integrity, component selection, and thermal management. Highlight your strategic approach and any methodologies you employ to ensure success.

Share insights about any projects related to military applications. Highlight adherence to rigorous requirements and standards, and you may want to discuss lessons learned from these experiences that can apply to the Electrical Engineer role.

Describe your time management strategies and how you prioritize tasks. Give examples of past experiences where you successfully met deadlines without compromising the quality of your work.

In your response, discuss any relevant experience with digital and mixed-signal designs. Mention specific techniques, tools, and methodologies you are familiar with that align with the skills required for the Electrical Engineer position.