Research Electrical Engineer I or II, MSD

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) was formed in 2021 with the aspiration to become the nations preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research technology policy and talent development to advance national security. The Institute grew from the Hume Center which was launched in 2010 thanks to an endowment from Ted and Karyn Hume.

VTNSI is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research empowering the next generation of experts and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty unique research infrastructure and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development.

This is a research and development position based in Blacksburg Virginia and is part of the Institutes Mission Systems Division (MSD). MSD brings together researchers from aerospace and ocean systems engineering mechanical engineering computer engineering systems engineering computer science AI/ML and other fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges in platforms including satellites UAVs UUVs and drone swarms. This position is for a hands-on electrical engineer who will build and integrate the electrical and RF subsystems that enable the divisions research testbeds. The successful candidate will spend much of their time in the laboratory and in the field: fabricating and assembling hardware building cables and harnesses laying out and populating printed circuit boards producing design drawings and standing up and maintaining test infrastructure. The candidate will also serve as a hands-on resource for senior researchers across the division who are developing RF hardware design drawings and PCB layout. The successful candidate can expect a competitive salary and benefits in a university setting.

This role will primarily support the Counter-UAS Test and Research Center and the Space Domain Awareness portfolios.

Successful applicants will have an interest in and some exposure to areas such as:

Electrical and RF hardware prototyping: Assembly and soldering (through-hole and surface-mount) cable and harness fabrication and integration of components into chassis and enclosures.
PCB design and layout: Schematic capture and board layout using tools such as Altium Designer KiCad or Eagle and working with fabrication and assembly vendors.
Design drawings and documentation: Creating and maintaining electrical schematics wiring diagrams interface control documents and assembly drawings.
RF measurements and testing: Proficiency with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers network analyzers signal generators and oscilloscopes performing measurements like VSWR return loss S-parameters power and noise figure.
Subsystem integration and test: Integrating COTS and custom hardware including radios power systems sensors and embedded computers into testbeds and troubleshooting at the component board and system levels.
Embedded and cyber physical systems: Familiarity with microcontrollers single-board computers and common hardware interfaces such as serial Ethernet SPI/I2C and CAN.
Test automation and scripting: Use of Python MATLAB or similar tools for instrument control data collection and analysis.
Laboratory practices: ESD-safe handling equipment calibration electrical and RF safety and configuration management of hardware and laboratory assets.

Specific responsibilities for this position include the following:
Build integrate and test electrical and RF subsystems that enable research testbeds in support of university-sponsored programs;
Support researchers across the division with hands-on RF hardware development design drawings and PCB layout;
Support the development of new funded research programs by participating in proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division;
Author technical documentation including design drawings test procedures and test reports.

In addition Research Engineer II candidates will:
Provide guidance to junior engineers/developers and students on research projects
Provide oversight of junior engineers/developers

Required Qualifications

All candidates must meet the following requirements:
Given the nature of the research conducted and requirements from the federal sponsor candidates must be a U.S. Citizen
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Hands-on experience building integrating and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware.
Proficiency with the tools germane to the field of research.
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.
Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering or an adjacent engineering discipline.
Ability to lift and move 25 pounds or mor of equipment; ability to climb stoop bend squat and traverse on uneven terrain.

In addition for Research Engineer II:
Masters degree in Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering or an adjacent engineering discipline or Bachelors degree and significant post-degree experience and relevant certifications
Experience designing fabricating integrating and troubleshooting electrical or RF hardware.
Proficiency with the tools germane to the field of research.

Preferred Qualifications

Active security clearance
Experience integrating building hardware
Experience with electrical and RF design and simulation tools (e.g. Altium Designer KiCad MATLAB HFSS CST Microwave Studio.)
Experience supporting laboratory or field test campaigns for aerospace maritime or wireless systems

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Between $80000 - $100000 depending on level and commensurate experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 2 2026

Additional Information

This recruitment is expected to fill multiple positions. Due to the nature of our work the successful candidates must be US citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.