Assistant Research Engineer – Radio Frequency & Sensing Systems

About the role

The University of Maryland MATRIX Lab seeks an Assistant Research Engineer to conduct applied RF/microwave and multi‑domain sensing research for autonomous systems. This full‑time research appointment focuses on developing low‑SWaP communication and sensing capabilities for aerial, maritime, and underwater platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Lead experiments in the anechoic chamber, including antenna characterization, RF performance evaluation, and radar cross‑section measurements.
• Develop low‑SWaP RF sensing and communication architectures such as wake‑up receivers, millimeter‑wave transceivers, and backscatter‑based sensors.
• Design and execute multi‑domain sensing experiments in OASIS and the Hydrodynamics Lab, integrating RF, optical, acoustic, and inertial modalities.
• Utilize the water tunnel to study underwater acoustic and RF propagation and support payload development for autonomous underwater vehicles.
• Produce technical deliverables, briefings, and proposal contributions for government and industry stakeholders.

Required profile

• Strong background in RF/microwave circuit design, antenna design, or radar systems with experience linking circuit‑level work to platform integration.
• Hands‑on experience with the full hardware development pipeline from simulation to prototype testing.
• Familiarity with defense‑relevant constraints such as environmental hardening and electronic warfare resilience.
• Ability to work both in office computing environments and in specialized laboratory settings.

Required skills

• RF/microwave circuit design and simulation (Cadence, Keysight ADS, ANSYS HFSS or equivalents).
• Operation of spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and antenna measurement equipment.
• Design of millimeter‑wave or sub‑THz communication and sensing systems.
• Experience with acoustic measurement tools, hydrophones, and underwater sensing instrumentation.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic theory, signal propagation, and noise/interference modeling.