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Principal Investigator- RF

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking a Senior RF Engineer/Scientist to lead and execute cutting-edge research and development in radio frequency (RF) and electronic warfare (EW) systems as part of the RF and Optics (RFO) group.  The RFO group works on problems from DC to daylight, building demonstrable hardware solutions for radar, wireless communications, sensing, and electronic warfare applications.

 

The ideal candidate will have experience working in dynamic R&D environments, from ideation through execution, and designing and delivering innovative RF solutions to national security customers. As a principal technical contributor, the candidate will be responsible for developing new techniques and technology to address complex and open-ended problems.  The candidate should have a track record of outside-the-box problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ability to brief stakeholders on technical results. 

 

The candidate should have deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:

  • RF system architecture
  • RF & analog circuits
  • Electromagnetics
  • Antennas & propagation
  • Software-defined radio
  • RF signal processing (radar or digital communications)

Current areas of strong interest include:

  • Multifunction RF
  • Nonlinear and novel electromagnetics
  • RF autonomy / cognitive tactical systems
  • RFSoC / FPGA-based solutions

Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and iterate innovative RF solutions
  • Lead and review design on major systems and critical sub-systems to meet systems and mission requirements
  • Understand and evaluate test, measurement, and characterization of RF systems
  • Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to develop integrated systems
  • Document and communicate design decisions, technical challenges, and progress to technical and non-technical internal and external stakeholders.
  • Participate in relevant internal and customer meetings
  • Influence technical direction of internal and/or on-contract research and development efforts

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Current Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
  • Education and Experience:
    • Bachelor's in STEM field with 12+ years of experience, or
    • Master's in STEM field with 8+ years of experience, or
    • PhD in STEM field with 5+ years of experience.
    • Relevant years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree 
  • Expertise in one of the following areas:
    • RF system architecture
    • RF & analog circuits
    • Electromagnetics
    • Antennas & propagation
    • Software-defined radio
    • RF signal processing (radar or digital communications)
  • Proficient with typical RF laboratory equipment (oscilloscopes, generators, analyzers)
  • Proficient with typical commercial computer-aided design software (e.g. simulators for circuits, systems, or EM) or scientific programming languages (e.g. MATLAB, python)
  • Superior troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Superior written and verbal communications skills
  • Ability to operate independently with limited supervision and feedback
  • Ability to travel (< 10%)

Desired Qualifications

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
  • PhD in electrical engineering, physics or similar with focus in RF or electromagnetics
  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing RF or EW systems for defense customers
  • Established subject matter expertise or track record of proposing and/or executing innovative research

Global Comp

$150,000 - $255,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

Average salary estimate

$202500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$150000K
$255000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Principal Investigator- RF, Riverside Research Institute

At Riverside Research, we are on the lookout for an exceptional Principal Investigator for RF to join our Fairfax team. As a leader in national security research and development, we focus on groundbreaking solutions for complex challenges. In this role, you'll be at the forefront of innovative RF and electronic warfare systems, driving the next generation of technologies to safeguard our nation. You'll work hand-in-hand with the RF and Optics group, where your expertise in RF system architecture, analog circuits, or electromagnetics will be paramount. Your responsibilities will include designing and executing advanced RF solutions, collaborating with a talented group of interdisciplinary professionals, and communicating complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders. If you've got a proven track record of creative problem-solving and are ready to tackle the big issues in national security, we want to hear from you. Riverside Research is dedicated to your growth and offers competitive compensation, along with a supportive environment that fosters innovation. Join us in making a difference as we push the boundaries of technology in defense and research. Let's create a safer future together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Investigator- RF Role at Riverside Research Institute
What are the main responsibilities of the Principal Investigator-RF at Riverside Research?

As the Principal Investigator-RF at Riverside Research, your main responsibilities include designing and implementing innovative RF solutions, leading critical system design reviews, evaluating RF systems through testing and measurement, and ensuring collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. You will also need to document design decisions and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, all while influencing the technical direction of R&D efforts.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Principal Investigator-RF position at Riverside Research?

To apply for the Principal Investigator-RF role at Riverside Research, you will need a top-secret SCI security clearance. Additionally, a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with at least 12 years of experience, a Master’s with 8 years, or a Ph.D. with 5 years of experience is required. Expertise in areas like RF system architecture or signal processing is essential, along with proficiency in RF laboratory equipment and CAD software.

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What areas of expertise are sought for the Principal Investigator-RF position at Riverside Research?

Riverside Research is seeking candidates with deep expertise in RF system architecture, RF & analog circuits, electromagnetics, antennas, propagation, software-defined radios, and RF signal processing. Familiarity with the latest technologies such as RF autonomy and cognitive tactical systems will be a significant advantage in this role.

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What is the salary range for the Principal Investigator-RF at Riverside Research?

The compensation range for the Principal Investigator-RF position at Riverside Research typically falls between $150,000 to $255,000, depending on your experience and qualifications. Our comprehensive benefits package complements the competitive salary, reflecting our commitment to employee welfare.

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Is a Ph.D. required for the Principal Investigator-RF role at Riverside Research?

While a Ph.D. is not mandatory for the Principal Investigator-RF position at Riverside Research, it is preferred. Candidates with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, physics, or a similar field that emphasizes RF or electromagnetics will certainly bring valuable knowledge and insight to the role. However, extensive relevant experience can substitute for the degree.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal Investigator- RF
Can you describe your experience with RF system architecture?

In responding to this question, highlight specific projects where you've worked on RF system architecture. Discuss the challenges you faced, the creative solutions you implemented, and how your work contributed to the project's success, ensuring to emphasize your leadership and collaborative efforts.

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What methods do you use for troubleshooting RF designs?

To effectively answer this question, provide a step-by-step process of your troubleshooting approach, mentioning specific RF equipment and tools you've used. Offer insights into how you analyze problems and test solutions, showcasing your analytical skills and hands-on experience.

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How do you approach interdisciplinary collaboration?

Emphasize your experience in working with diverse teams when answering this question. Discuss your communication strategy, how you integrate feedback from different expertise, and ways you've facilitated meetings or reviews to align project goals.

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What innovative RF solutions have you developed in the past?

Share a specific innovation you've worked on, outlining the problem it addressed, the design process you employed, and the results achieved. Make sure to articulate your role and the impact of the solution on the project or organization.

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Which RF laboratory equipment are you proficient with?

List the RF equipment you are experienced with, such as oscilloscopes, RF signal generators, and analyzers. Discuss how you’ve utilized them in past roles, providing examples of projects where these tools were essential to your work.

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Can you explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical audience?

To demonstrate your communication skills, choose a specific technical concept you are comfortable with and explain it in layman's terms. Highlight your ability to tailor your message to your audience, showcasing your understanding of both the technology and effective communication.

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What is your experience with software-defined radio?

Discuss your hands-on experience with software-defined radio technologies. Include specific systems or projects you've worked on and explain how you integrated SDR into your broader RF solutions, focusing on outcomes and innovations.

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How do you stay current with technological trends in RF and electronic warfare?

Explain your strategy for professional development, which might include attending conferences, reading industry journals, participating in forums, or collaborating with peers in the field. Highlight specific resources or communities that keep you informed.

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Describe a time when you had to influence technical direction.

Share a relevant example where you played a pivotal role in shaping the project or research direction. Discuss the considerations you weighed, the stakeholders involved, and the outcome that resulted from your influence.

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What challenges have you faced while leading RF projects?

Reflect on a particular challenge, discussing its implications on your project. Explain how you approached the problem, the solutions you implemented, and what you learned from the experience that enhanced your leadership skills.

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MATCH
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SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
No info
HQ LOCATION
No info
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 29, 2025

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