RF Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Summary

AV is seeking Mid-level to Senior-level RF Modeling and Simulation Engineers to work onsite at our Albuquerque, New Mexico or Germantown, Maryland offices. These positions support the analysis, development, integration, verification, and production of advanced RF, phased-array, aerospace, and electromechanical systems.

RF Modeling and Simulation Engineers at AV develop system-level models and analysis tools that guide architecture, design, performance prediction, test planning, and production decisions. The ideal candidate has experience with RF system modeling, phased-array analysis, electromagnetic simulation, and correlation of analytical results with measured data.

You will collaborate with RF, digital hardware, antenna, PCB layout, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, assembly, systems, and test teams throughout the product lifecycle—from early architecture and design trades through verification, qualification, production, and field support. Senior-level engineers may lead modeling activities, establish analysis methods, mentor engineers, and provide technical direction.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop RF system, antenna, and phased-array models covering propagation, element behavior, beamforming, RF distribution, amplification, frequency conversion, digitization, and system interfaces.
• Analyze performance metrics such as gain, loss, noise figure, EIRP, scan loss, beam patterns, sidelobes, phase and amplitude error, dynamic range, and link margin.
• Evaluate the effects of component tolerances, calibration residuals, thermal drift, mutual coupling, packaging, layout, and assembly variation.
• Use MATLAB, HFSS, ADS, CST, Python, or comparable tools to develop reusable models, simulation workflows, automated analyses, and technical visualizations.
• Define and document model assumptions, interfaces, parameters, units, limitations, and validity ranges.
• Automate parameter sweeps, uncertainty studies, sensitivity analyses, optimization, and design trade studies.
• Correlate model predictions with measured data from RF boards, phased-array tiles, subsystems, antenna ranges, chambers, and production testing.
• Work with design and test engineers to investigate model-to-measurement differences, identify physical causes, and update models using controlled evidence.
• Provide performance margins, sensitivity results, and recommendations for architecture, component selection, PCB layout, calibration, packaging, and assembly decisions.
• Support requirements development, verification planning, test definition, and technical closure through analysis and measurable predictions.
• Participate in design, test-readiness, production-readiness, and customer technical reviews.
• Maintain configuration-controlled records of model inputs, outputs, revisions, configurations, and correlation results.
• Lead technical tasks, modeling efforts, special projects, or process improvements based on experience.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and promote reusable, traceable, and disciplined modeling practices.
• Support occasional travel to customer, supplier, test, or field locations as required.
   

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Mid-Level: Typically five or more years of relevant experience in RF modeling, electromagnetic simulation, array analysis, RF system development, or related hardware development.
• Senior-Level: Typically eight or more years of relevant experience, including demonstrated technical leadership in RF modeling, simulation, or system analysis.
• Strong understanding of RF systems, phased-array architecture, beamforming, antennas, RF front ends, propagation, mixed-signal interfaces, and measurement correlation.
• Advanced MATLAB experience and working proficiency with at least one additional tool, such as HFSS, ADS, CST, Python, or a comparable RF simulation environment.
• Ability to define engineering assumptions, quantify sensitivity and uncertainty, and communicate model limitations clearly.
• Experience applying analysis results to design decisions, requirements evidence, test planning, or technical recommendations.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, visualization, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required by the program.
   

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Experience modeling digital beamforming, calibration, scan performance, mutual coupling, thermal effects, or array pattern behavior.
• Experience with link budgets, EIRP, noise figure, P1dB, IP3, dynamic range, EVM, ACLR, phase noise, or related RF performance metrics.
• Experience correlating simulations with VNA, spectrum analyzer, antenna-range, chamber, production-test, or other measured data.
• Experience with RF boards, phased-array tiles, antenna interfaces, RF front ends, or high-density electronic assemblies.
• Familiarity with Altium, SQL or engineering data systems, automated test environments, and hardware configuration control.
• Experience developing reusable simulation frameworks, automated analysis tools, or engineering visualization methods.
• Knowledge of uncertainty quantification, statistical analysis, optimization, or design-of-experiments methods.
• Experience supporting prototype development, production transition, qualification testing, or fielded aerospace and defense systems.
• Current and active U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Core Competencies

• RF system and phased-array modeling
• Electromagnetic and RF simulation
• Beamforming, antenna, propagation, and link analysis
• Simulation automation and reusable tool development
• Sensitivity, uncertainty, and engineering trade analysis
• Simulation-to-test correlation
• Technical communication and data visualization
• Cross-functional collaboration and hardware integration
• Technical leadership, mentorship, and task ownership
   

Career Framework

• Track: Engineering
• Discipline: Electrical Engineering / RF Modeling and Simulation
• Level: Engineer III through Senior Engineer, based on qualifications and experience
• Focus Areas: RF System Modeling, Phased-Array Analysis, Electromagnetic Simulation, Beamforming, Antenna and Propagation Modeling, Link Budgets, Simulation Automation, Test Correlation, and Performance Analysis
   

At AV, mid-to-senior-level RF Modeling and Simulation Engineers work on technically challenging products that support critical aerospace and defense missions. You will use advanced modeling tools, work directly with complex RF hardware and test data, and help turn analysis into practical engineering decisions. Senior engineers will have opportunities to lead technical efforts, establish modeling practices, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent.

Location:  This position is based in either Albuquerque, NM or Germantown, MD.

Salary Range $75,000 to $160,000 (This range is broad as we are hiring for multiple levels for this role. Salary will be determined within range based at entry, mid, or senior-level based on level of experience.)

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees’ total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.  A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR