RF/ Production Test Support Engineer

Job title: RF Engineer

Job Description

This role supports the integration and production test of Electronically Scanned Arrays (ESAs) and associated RF hardware for next-generation antenna products within a cutting-edge space systems environment. You will lead technical efforts that span antenna integration, RF performance characterization, and test support, helping to advance state-of-the-art antenna and radar systems for space and defense applications in the Baltimore, MD area.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of antenna design engineers and RF analysts through the integration, test, and analysis of complex and highly integrated antenna systems, including Electronically Scanned Arrays (ESAs).
• Oversee a wide range of RF analyses, including antenna radiation patterns, RF chain performance, link budgets, and installed performance assessments.
• Provide RF performance characterization to inform and drive antenna architecture and design decisions throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead the development and enhancement of RF antenna modeling software tools as part of an enterprise-wide analysis and design tool suite.
• Integrate multiple data sets and component-level results to characterize antenna subsystem performance and identify trends, issues, and optimization opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver clear, technically sound presentations and status updates to internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in antenna design, RF analysis, and best practices in integration and test.
• Support high-rate production test activities by troubleshooting and debugging RF hardware, test setups, and test failures using appropriate test equipment and tools.
• Translate system performance and operational specifications into actionable program deliverables, technical documentation, and status reports.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure antenna and RF subsystems meet performance, reliability, and production requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related STEM discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience, or a PhD with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Hands-on RF design and analysis experience for architectures that may include phased arrays, processor units, receivers, and power supplies.
• Extensive experience with scientific programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C#, C++, and Julia for modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• Experience working with high-rate production hardware, tools, and processes, or with hardware designed for space environments.
• Proven experience debugging hardware and resolving issues uncovered during integration and test, including investigation of test failures.
• Ability to translate system-level performance and operational specifications into clear program deliverables and status reports.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams, mentoring others, and communicating effectively with all levels of an organization, both internally and externally.
• Ability to work independently, think creatively, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy solving complex technical problems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SCI access.
• United States citizenship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Expertise in ESA antenna design and analysis from concept design through assembly, integration, and test (AI&T).
• Experience developing complex antenna architectures for advanced radar or communications systems.
• Ability to derive detailed antenna performance requirements and flow them down to subassemblies and individual components.
• Previous experience leading antenna design teams and coordinating multi-disciplinary technical efforts.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Familiarity with test equipment and tools commonly used in RF and antenna test environments, such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
• Strong presentation skills and experience interfacing directly with customers on technical topics.

Work Environment

The role is based in the Linthicum / Baltimore, MD area within a space systems and advanced antenna development environment. You will work in a mix of office, laboratory, and production settings, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams focused on payloads and satellite programs. The environment involves hands-on work with RF test equipment, antenna arrays, and space-qualified hardware, as well as extensive use of modeling and simulation tools such as Python, MATLAB, C#, C++, and Julia. You can expect a fast-paced, innovation-driven culture centered on advancing space and military technology, with opportunities to support high-visibility payload and satellite programs. Work hours typically align with standard engineering schedules, with flexibility as needed to support critical integration and test milestones.

This is a Contract position based out of Baltimore, MD.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $65.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Baltimore,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.