Senior RF Systems Engineer

As a Senior RF Systems Engineer at HRL Laboratories, your main responsibilities will include designing, integrating, and testing radar and communication systems. You'll work collaboratively with scientists and engineers to develop system specifications and provide effective solutions to customer challenges. Additionally, you'll be involved in writing invention disclosures, publishing research papers, and participating in proposal activities and marketing efforts, showcasing HRL’s expertise.

To qualify for the Senior RF Systems Engineer position at HRL Laboratories, candidates are required to have an M.S. with a minimum of 5 years of experience, or a B.S. with at least 7 years of experience in related fields. A strong understanding of radar and communication systems, experience with RF operations, and the ability to program in C++ or MATLAB are essential. Familiarity with system engineering principles and working in compliance with technical teams is highly valued.

Success in the Senior RF Systems Engineer role at HRL Laboratories hinges on a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Familiarity with RF systems, frontend/backend design, and digital signal processing are critical. Additionally, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, experience with simulation tools like Simulink and VSS, and the capacity to communicate effectively with coworkers and customers will greatly enhance your performance and contributions to the team.

Yes, the Senior RF Systems Engineer position at HRL Laboratories may require occasional travel. This role involves collaborating with various clients and stakeholders, which can necessitate on-site visits or participation in field tests. Having a flexible attitude towards travel will be beneficial in this dynamic job environment.

The salary range for a Senior RF Systems Engineer at HRL Laboratories is between $163,150 and $209,088, not including bonuses and benefits. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries based on role, level, and location, with individual pay determined by experience, education, and job-related skills.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you contributed to radar system design, testing, or implementation. Discuss the technologies and methodologies you used, such as phased array systems or digital signal processing, and how those experiences prepare you for success at HRL Laboratories.

In your response, mention specific tools like Simulink, VSS, or Systemvue that you have experience with. Explain how you have applied these tools in past projects to analyze and design RF systems, ensuring your answer is tailored to demonstrate your familiarity with the systems used at HRL Laboratories.

Focus your answer on your approach to implementing system engineering principles. Discuss strategies such as thorough documentation, regular team reviews, and adherence to best practices throughout the design and development phases. Sharing examples from past projects will offer a practical context to your answer.

Here, you should highlight specific tasks that involved digital signal processing, such as filtering, modulation, or demodulation techniques. Discuss how your understanding of DSP has influenced your designs in RF systems, particularly in enhancing signal integrity and system performance.

Choose a specific example that showcases your problem-solving skills. Explain the nature of the challenge, why it was significant, and the steps you took to resolve it. Emphasize collaboration with your team and any innovative solutions you devised that demonstrate your technical expertise.

Talk about your programming experience, specifying the languages you’ve used, like C++ or MATLAB. Provide examples of algorithms you’ve programmed, emphasizing their impact on performance or efficiency in RF systems. Mention any projects where your programming skills made a difference.

Provide a concise but informed explanation that outlines the basic principles distinguishing active and passive systems. Highlight examples of each, how they work, and their applications in radar and communication systems to demonstrate your deep understanding of RF technology.

Discuss your collaborative skills and share examples of working closely with engineers and scientists from various disciplines. Emphasize your ability to listen, integrate diverse perspectives, and communicate effectively to ensure project success. Highlight any leadership roles you've taken in team settings.

Outline your strategy for professional development, such as attending conferences, reading technical publications, or participating in relevant online courses or workshops. Demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning shows your passion for the field and willingness to adapt to new trends.

Explain your time management strategies for balancing multiple tasks and meeting tight schedules. Discuss planning, prioritization, and delegation to ensure deadlines are met without compromising quality. Sharing real-life instances where you successfully managed deadlines will strengthen your answer.