Software Defined Radio (SDR) RF Engineer (Level V) - Secret clearance
Description
Standard Job Description
Lockheed Martin Space is seeking an experienced Software Defined Radio (SDR) RF Engineer to join our team in Littleton, CO! In this role you will be responsible for designing, developing, and integrating high-performance SDR solutions. This role requires expertise in real-time RF signal processing and software development close to the hardware layer. The ideal candidate is comfortable with designing, developing, and deploying advanced SDR systems from the ground up and optimizing them for demanding operational environments.
In this role you will:
- Lead the development and fielding of innovative digital communications products, through deployment, leveraging extensive knowledge of high-speed digital, DSP, and RF systems.
- Implement and optimize real-time DSP pipelines, maintain link budgets as well as full cascade analysis for your radios, custom waveform generation, custom frequency plans and communication schedule timelines, modulation/demodulation chains, RF streaming architectures, Incorporation of Cryptographic layer, and throughput signal processing systems
- Interface and drive FPGA & SW-based SDR architectures, and RF front ends and synchronization systems
- Drive software development for low-latency and real-time RF applications
- Perform RF system integration, qualification and acceptance testing, calibration, and troubleshooting
- Push HW through rapid high-rate production, testing and follow missile integration of the RF comms systems
- Analyze and optimize spectral performance, timing synchronization, throughput bottlenecks, and RF impairment
- Integrate SDR platforms into larger communications and/or sensing architectures
- Produce technical documentation, interface definitions, and software architecture artifacts
- Support lab and field testing and flight test activities
#SpaceRF
Standard Job Description:
Architects and designs Radio Frequency systems and circuitry. Designs and develops RF circuitry used in high frequency and microwave applications, including receivers, transmitters, antennas, and frequency synthesizers. Responsible for hardware layout, component evaluation, prototype construction, and test. Prepares test methods and specifications; analyzes and tests RF hardware to verify performance characteristics. Provides inputs to Product Development for formal documentation and supports manufacturing during the deliverable assembly and test phase. In addition, develops RF System/Subsystem Architectures consisting of: antennas, transmitters, receivers, low noise amplifiers, high power amplifiers, RF conversion elements and transmission line equipment. Performs link analysis and optimization, including effects of propagation medium and possible interference sources. Develops and allocates RF system and subsystem functional and performance requirements. Identifies and tracks RF technical performance measurements (TPMs). Performs RF system/subsystem/component trade studies and CAIV analysis. Supports Life Cycle Costs, reliability, availability, and maintainability analysis.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- Experience developing high-speed digital, DSP, RF systems for terrestrial and/or space applications.
- Experience with digital communications systems, RF architecture, FPGA design, and/or DSP algorithms.
- Experience with missile to missile communications payload architecture (e.g. digital channelization, digital beamforming).
- Experience leading cross-functional teams, mentoring engineers, and/or providing technical oversight to ensure successful project execution.
- Understanding of RF fundamentals, wireless communications systems, digital modulation techniques, wideband RF architectures, and/or spectrum analysis.
- Experience with design and simulation tools for digital, RF, and DSP systems, including FPGA design and verification.
- Ability to operate a complex set of special test equipment that combines RF, Digital Control and Power supplies for SDR.
- Active DoD SECRET security clearance required prior to start; must be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance; US citizenship required.
Desired Skills
- 10+ years of experience in developing high-speed digital, DSP, and RF systems for terrestrial and space applications. Extensive experience in system architecture, product implementation, and technical leadership.
- Experience with PCB design, layout, and fabrication of high-speed digital, RF, and hybrid stack-up boards.
- Experience in system architecture, product implementation, and technical leadership
- Experience developing with real-time streaming systems, high-rate packet processing, and low-latency software architectures
- Experience implementing channel estimation, synchronization algorithms, channelization pipelines, adaptive filtering, signal detection and classification, and time/frequency synchronization
- Experience with tactical communications, spectrum operations, and RF SDR systems
- Ability to troubleshoot complex RF/Digital/ Circuit ware/software interactions
- Comfortable working directly with hardware in lab and field environments
- Capable of driving and testing production-grade SDR hardware and software from the ground up
- Strong debugging, optimization, and performance tuning skills
- Self-starter capable of operating in fast-paced R&D environments
- Top Secret clearance