Hardware Engineer, Level 1
Howard County, MD - USA
Job Summary
What You Will Do:
At Independent Software as a RF Hardware Engineer Level 1 you will design install test and maintain advanced RF and SATCOM systems supporting mission-critical operations. You will work across the full lifecycle of RF systems ensuring reliable performance across multiple frequency bands including C- X- Ku- Ka- and Q/V-band.
In this role you will support complex RF system deployments in both controlled and austere environments applying deep technical expertise to optimize system performance and ensure operational readiness. You will collaborate with system engineers program teams and field personnel to deliver high-performance communication capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
At Independent Software our people are the mission. Weve built a company around collaboration integrity and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow succeed and thrive.
When you join us you will:
Ready to take the next step in your career Join us and be part of something bigger.
Apply today.
Were an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status.
At Independent Software as a RF Hardware Engineer Level 1 you will design install test and maintain advanced RF and SATCOM systems supporting mission-critical operations. You will work across the full lifecycle of RF systems ensuring reliable performance across multiple frequency bands including C- X- Ku- Ka- and Q/V-band.
In this role you will support complex RF system deployments in both controlled and austere environments applying deep technical expertise to optimize system performance and ensure operational readiness. You will collaborate with system engineers program teams and field personnel to deliver high-performance communication capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design install and test RF and SATCOM hardware systems across multiple frequency bands (C- X- Ku- Ka- Q/V-band)
- Account for environmental and signal propagation factors including atmospheric attenuation ionospheric effects rain fade and polarization mismatch
- Conduct site surveys and support installation activities including antenna alignment hardware rack and stack and system integration
- Operate and maintain earth-terminal control systems to establish and sustain communication links
- Perform preventive scheduled and corrective maintenance on RF systems and components
- Troubleshoot and resolve RF hardware issues in real-time including degraded signal performance and system faults
- Apply anti-jamming techniques and enforce operational and safety procedures
- Utilize RF test equipment such as Keysight PNA-X FieldFox spectrum analyzers signal generators oscilloscopes and BER testers
- Perform RF measurements including S-parameters P1dB TOI noise figure phase noise and group delay
- Conduct non-linear analysis including intermodulation distortion (IMD) and spectral regrowth
- Develop and maintain technical documentation including schematics diagrams engineering plans and test reports
- Create AutoCAD and Visio drawings and support as-built documentation and system design packages
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams including system engineers program managers and test personnel
- Support installations testing and maintenance activities in remote or field environments (up to 15% travel)
- Lead or support inspection and maintenance teams and provide guidance to site personnel as needed
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong experience in RF system design installation and testing with a focus on SATCOM systems
- Experience working with RF hardware across multiple frequency bands (C- X- Ku- Ka- Q/V-band)
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including network analyzers spectrum analyzers signal generators oscilloscopes and BER testers
- Knowledge of RF signal propagation interference and environmental impacts on system performance
- Experience troubleshooting complex RF systems and implementing corrective actions
- Ability to perform hardware installation antenna alignment and system integration activities
- Experience developing maintenance procedures and conducting system inspections
- Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and performance analysis
- Ability to produce technical documentation engineering plans and reports
- Strong communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to work independently in dynamic and field-based environments
- Physical ability to climb antennas lift equipment and perform hands-on installation work
Education and Experience:
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering RF Engineering Systems Engineering or a related discipline from an accredited college or university
- Relevant experience supporting RF systems design installation and maintenance may be substituted for a degree
- Experience supporting SATCOM systems and field deployments is highly preferred
- Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role
At Independent Software our people are the mission. Weve built a company around collaboration integrity and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow succeed and thrive.
When you join us you will:
- Support critical national security missions that matter
- Be part of a close-knit employee-first culture where your voice is heard
- Expand your skills through ongoing training mentorship and career development
- Enjoy competitive compensation generous benefits and work-life balance
Ready to take the next step in your career Join us and be part of something bigger.
Apply today.
Were an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Independent Software: Home of efficient and effective information technology services.