RF Engineer Lead - Palm Bay, Florida

Job Title: Lead, RF Engineer

Job Code: 44388

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking a highly driven RF Hardware Design Engineer to support the design and development of advanced RF solutions for space‑to‑ground communication systems. In this role, you will contribute to mission‑critical hardware used in resilient, high‑reliability space platforms that enable secure connectivity for our customers. You will be part of a collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation, rapid development, and precision execution.

Essential Functions:

• Design, simulate, and implement RF circuits and subsystems including LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, synthesizers, and transceiver modules for space‑to‑ground communication links.
• Develop and refine system‑level RF architectures that meet demanding environmental, performance, and reliability requirements for space applications.
• Lead schematic design, RF component selection, and PCB layout review with a focus on radiation tolerance, thermal performance, and high‑frequency signal integrity.
• Perform hardware bring‑up, tuning, and RF characterization using advanced lab equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.) for first article deployment
• Support environmental, thermal, and radiation‑effects considerations as part of design verification for space systems.
• Work closely with systems engineering, digital hardware, firmware, antenna engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient production.
• Troubleshoot complex RF issues, execute root‑cause analysis, and propose design improvements to enhance reliability and mission readiness.
• Create detailed technical documentation including requirements, design reports, test procedures, and verification artifacts consistent with L3Harris engineering standards.
• Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience.  Graduate Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience designing for a space environment.
• Hold a current security Clearance or the ability to obtain a security clearance
• Knowledge of space communication standards, high‑frequency payload architectures, or ground‑segment RF equipment.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification standards (MIL‑STD, NASA, ESA, or similar)
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools such as ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including impedance matching, linearity, gain, noise figure, phase noise, and EMI/EMC.
• Experience with PCB design tools (Altium, Cadence Allegro, or similar).
• Experience in high‑volume or mission‑critical manufacturing environments
• Experience leading teams and project designs
• Trade study execution and ownership
• Problem-solving skills with ability to proactively identify alternate solutions to overcome difficult technical challenges.
• Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide mentorship to early career engineers

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