Lead, RF Engineer

L3Harris Technologies is looking for a Lead, RF Engineer to support the design and development of advanced RF solutions for space-to-ground communication systems. This onsite role in Palm Bay, FL focuses on leading RF hardware design activities from architecture and layout review through bring-up, characterization, and verification support.

You will help integrate RF hardware into end-to-end systems alongside teams spanning systems engineering, digital hardware, firmware, antenna engineering, and manufacturing, with an emphasis on reliability and mission readiness for demanding space environments.

Responsibilities

• 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 environmental, performance, and reliability needs for space applications.
• Lead schematic design, RF component selection, and PCB layout review, emphasizing radiation tolerance, thermal performance, and high-frequency signal integrity.
• Perform hardware bring-up, tuning, and RF characterization using lab equipment such as VNA, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters for first article deployment.
• Support design verification related to environmental, thermal, and radiation-effects considerations for space systems.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient production.
• Troubleshoot complex RF issues, conduct 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 aligned with L3Harris engineering standards.
• Obtain a US Security Clearance.

Requirements

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

Technologies

• VNA
• Spectrum analyzers
• Signal generators
• Power meters
• ADS
• AWR Microwave Office
• HFSS
• Altium
• Cadence Allegro
• PCB

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience designing for a space environment.
• Current security clearance or 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, including trade study execution and ownership.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify alternate solutions for difficult technical challenges.
• Detail-oriented approach with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide mentorship to early career engineers.