Senior RF Engineer – Defense & Communications

About the role

The Kostas Research Institute at Northeastern University seeks a Senior RF Engineer to lead research and development of RF and microwave systems for defense, sensing, and communications. You will drive innovation in radar, electronic warfare, and secure communications, overseeing projects from concept through field testing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead RF R&D efforts within the Assured Communications and Electromagnetic Dominance (ACED) area, including design, prototyping, and testing of hardware systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (hardware, firmware, systems, software) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Manage project scope, deliverables, and reporting to ensure timely execution.
• Contribute to proposal development, technical writing, cost estimation, and schedule planning.
• Mentor junior engineers and interns, expanding KRI’s RF research capability.

Required profile

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field (MS/PhD preferred); 7+ years of professional RF/microwave experience.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a DoD security clearance.
• Proven expertise in RF circuit and system design, including amplifiers, filters, antennas, and transceivers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a record of technical reporting.

Required skills

• RF modeling tools such as HFSS, ADS, CST, MATLAB.
• Laboratory test equipment proficiency: spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators.
• Knowledge of low‑probability‑of‑intercept/detection waveforms and electronic attack/defense systems.
• Experience developing RF front ends for radar or communication payloads.

What we offer

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, and paid time off.
• Retirement plan options with generous matching and tuition waiver for classes and degree programs.
• Wellness, life insurance, commuting and transportation benefits.