Job Title: RF Electrical Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on applying advanced signal processing and RF engineering expertise to develop and evaluate cutting-edge radar, sensing, and communications systems. You will work in a research-oriented environment, collaborating with experts in physics, mathematics, and related disciplines to design RF system architectures, prototype algorithms, and analyze complex waveforms and sensor data. The position offers the opportunity to work on technologies that are 10–15 years ahead of current applications, contributing to innovative solutions in radar, electronic warfare, and next-generation communications.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced signal processing concepts to complex problems in RF systems, radar sensing, and communications.
• Analyze, model, and interpret complex waveforms and sensor data, developing or adapting algorithms for detection, estimation, classification, and interference mitigation.
• Support research efforts in areas such as adaptive filtering, spectral analysis, time‑frequency methods, compressive sensing, and statistical signal processing.
• Conduct exploratory research and development in collaboration with researchers in physics, mathematics, and related scientific disciplines.
• Participate in the design and evaluation of RF system architectures, including receivers, transmitters, antennas, and novel sensing modalities.
• Assist with algorithm prototyping in software environments such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++, and evaluate algorithm performance using laboratory RF equipment.
• Contribute to the development of embedded and firmware-based solutions for RF and electronic warfare systems, including systems developed from scratch and SoC-based designs.
• Work closely with multi‑disciplinary teams on radar, electronic warfare, embedded systems, and next‑generation communications concepts.
• Prepare clear and detailed technical reports, presentations, and data packages to document methodologies, results, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated background in signal processing theory or research, evidenced by coursework, thesis work, laboratory projects, publications, or similar experience.
• Experience or academic exposure to RF, radar, communications, or related electromagnetic systems.
• Proficiency in mathematical modeling and algorithm development using scientific programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Ability to work with RF systems, including understanding RF front‑ends, receivers, transmitters, and antennas.
• Foundational knowledge of embedded systems, firmware, and systems engineering concepts related to RF and electronic warfare applications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports, documentation, and presentations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Research‑oriented background, such as thesis-based graduate work or experience in a physics or mathematics research group.
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, and related laboratory tools.
• Familiarity with radar or communications signal chains and RF front‑end design or evaluation.
• Experience with digital signal processing hardware and real‑time signal processing environments.
• Experience with software‑defined radios and FPGA‑based prototyping for RF and signal processing applications.
• Interest in advanced sensing, electronic warfare, spectral processing, and electromagnetics.
• Experience developing systems from scratch in the context of RF, embedded systems, or electronic warfare.
• Exposure to system-on-chip (SoC) architectures as they relate to RF and signal processing solutions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in small, multi‑disciplinary research teams and contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment that combines on-site laboratory work with remote tasks, offering a schedule aligned with government-style working hours. You will join a small, highly collaborative team focused on research and development of RF, radar, and electronic warfare technologies that are 10–15 years ahead of current applications. The work involves frequent use of scientific programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++, as well as hands‑on interaction with RF laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and vector signal generators. The environment emphasizes rigorous technical analysis, thorough documentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with experts in physics, mathematics, and engineering, providing a focused and innovative setting for advanced RF and signal processing research.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Adelphi, MD.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $57.60/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Adelphi,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.