Senior RF Engineer

Job ID: 7729
Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is in search of a Senior Electrical Engineer with a minimum of 15 years of experience focusing on RF and Microwave hardware design to work primarily on the Iris Radio with our Civil & Commercial Space Division. The Iris Radio is a software defined radio intended for deep space operation to Mars, the Moon, asteroids, and other locations throughout our solar system. At the present time the Iris Radio is receiving a significant interest in the space commSenior unity as the team is updating the design and expanding the radio's capabilities.
Candidate experience should be focused on active RF hardware design at the individual component and PCB design. Willingness to learn and expand your knowledge and skills is required. Experience on the test bench to bring life to your designs and to integrate the designs with other team members' designs. SDL does have a well-equipped test lab with a full suite of appropriate test equipment for your use immediately.
Expertise and knowledge of receiver and LNA design as well as transmitter and SSPA design is a minimum requirement. Additionally, a working knowledge of switch mode power supplies, digital control systems, thermal management as well as the RF system testing of the individual subassemblies and final assemblies will be required. Most of all a strong work ethic, curiosity, and intelligence will be utilized continuously.
Cooperation with others in the team and throughout the lab will be key to your success. Mentoring of other staff members and students will be expected. The selected candidate will be considered a key asset to the success of SDL's mission and as such will be expected and respected.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plans, conducts, technically directs, and evaluates projects and major phases of significant projects
• Reviews literature, patents, and current practices relevant to assigned projects
• Conducts investigations and tests of considerable complexity
• Recommends corrections in technical application and analysis
• Serves as a peer reviewer for electrical technologies at the program level
• Supports business development efforts of division directors and business development staff
• May present at technical conferences
• Mentors engineers and students
• Cultivates business development relationships with customers

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (master's degree or Ph.D. preferred)
• 15+ years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree, or 13+ years of relevant experience and a master's degree, or 9+ years of relevant experience and a PhD
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Considered an expert Electrical Engineer with an emphasis in RF and related technologies
• Working knowledge of the lab's core technologies and capabilities
• Demonstrated broad knowledge, understanding, and perspective of electrical systems and sensors
• Ability to mentor mid-level Engineers
• Anticipates risks and develops contingency plans to manage them
• Ability to relate well to people at all levels inside and outside of the organization with the ability to preserve relationships, even under difficult or challenging circumstances
• Ability to author written reports and/or professional papers in referred journals

• $140,700 - $197,000
  • Salary commensurate based on education and experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.