Title:  Scientist, Space Systems - Phased Array RF Design Engineer

Job Title: Scientist, Space Systems - Phased Array RF Design Engineer

Job Code: 24693    

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL
 

Job Description:

The L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems segment is seeking an exceptional Phased Array RF Design Engineer to lead sophisticated RF/Microwave design activities, leveraging extensive expertise in RF system architecture and RF hardware to fulfill our customers’ complex missions. This pivotal role involves optimizing RF performance through research, design, development, and verification, while leading customer programs, advancing IRAD projects, conducting technical trade studies, authoring detailed proposals, and providing mentorship throughout the engineering organization. Success will be achieved through the utilization of a diverse array of advanced RF simulation tools and laboratory equipment to create innovative hardware solutions while ensuring our commitment to design excellence.

The ideal candidate should be a subject matter expert in phased arrays with an entrepreneurial background, capable of collaborating with engineering technical experts, business development, and senior management. They will address customer and mission needs through technical analysis, presentations, white papers, proposals, and strategic guidance, while demonstrating strong communication and interpersonal skills within a large engineering enterprise and with external partners. Additionally, they will assess technical risks, the political climate, budget, and schedule limitations to build trust in the Space Systems sector and L3Harris.

Essential Functions: 

• Lead complex Phased Array activities, including research, architecture, design, analysis, and verification, to advance the performance of RF system architecture, including RF payloads, modules and circuit card assemblies.
• Drive multi-discipline technical teams through all phases of program milestones (pursuit, proposals, SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Research industry trends to develop roadmaps utilizing the latest technologies to increase RF system and RF hardware capabilities while simultaneously reducing size, weight, power and cost.
• Lead Internal Research and Design (IRAD) initiatives and conduct technical trade studies to drive tactical and strategic decisions for program leadership.
• Generate white papers, proposals, and Basis of Estimates (BOEs), to ensure success in terms of technical performance, cost and schedule.
• Collaborate with customers and program leadership to align Phased Array performance requirements with internal stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and leadership to other engineers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience (Accredited course of study in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or another relevant STEM field.). Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience. Experience with best practices for project engineering and program execution
• 12+ years of experience with Phased Arrays, RF design, system architecture and complex mission solutions including:
  • RF Link Budget analysis, RF cascade analysis (gain, noise figure, linearity, noise power, etc.), Signal Analysis (Eb/No, BER vs. noise, receiver sensitivity), S-parameters, matching networks, filtering (bandwidth, types, implementations, etc.), nonlinear effects and their remedies (intermodulation, IP3, IP2, group delay variation, dynamic range), temperature effects, and isolation.
  • RF simulation and analysis tools including ADS, HFSS, SystemVue, MATLAB, and other ECAD design tools.
  • Critical RF performance characteristics of both passive and active components such as amplifiers, oscillators, attenuators, mixers, filters, splitters, couplers, phase shifters, VCOs, PLLs, etc.
  • RF hardware design experience for electromagnetics in the RF spectrum, including VHF, UHF, and microwave applications in the L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, and V bands.
  • RF lab equipment including Network Analyzers, Signal/Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Signal Generators, RF Power Sensors, etc.
  • Schematic and PCB layout experience using Xpedition or Cadence
  • Troubleshooting RF systems, payloads, modules and RF issues down to the component level.
  • Beamforming analysis for multi-beam phased array designs.
  • MATLAB or Python experience for data analysis. 
     

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Subject matter expert in multiple technical domains with an entrepreneurial background.
• TS/SCI Security Clearance preferred.
• Space-qualified hardware design for RF Payloads and Space Vehicles preferred.
• MMIC or RFIC Design Experience preferred.
• RF Hybrid Multi Chip Module experience integrating diverse RF components on a single substrate with precision ribbon wire interconnections.
• Experience presenting to program leadership and external customers for design reviews, IRADs, trade studies, data analysis, etc.
• Team leader experience, guiding a team of RF engineers across diverse projects to advance their career expertise. 
• Experience in an Engineering leadership role, such as Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead or Chief Systems Engineer.

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