RF-Electrical Engineer (Aerospace) at Decision Technologies, Inc. in Arlington, VA

Job description

• Put your Electrical Engineering degree directly to work protecting U.S. Navy warships and allied naval forces from advanced airborne and surface threats. As a Junior RF and Electrical Engineer at Decision Tech supporting the Navy's Terminal Defense Systems program office, you will analyze the electromagnetic, RF sensor, and digital signal processing systems that detect, track, and intercept targets.
• We are seeking a qualified Junior RF-Electrical Engineer (Aerospace) in Arlington, VA. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work situations. This is a 100% on-site, in-office position.

Responsibilities

• Step into a fast-paced environment where your university coursework in electromagnetics, signal processing, RF circuits, and wireless communications directly applies to live naval defense programs. Working alongside senior radar and weapons engineers, you will use modern modeling and analysis tools to evaluate radar seekers, optimize communications links, and evaluate flight-test performance data.
• (Must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining and maintaining a DoD Secret clearance)
• RF Seeker & Sensor Analysis: Analyze guided missile RF seekers, antenna arrays, and front-end receiver hardware. Use tools like MATLAB, Python, or Simulink to evaluate target tracking algorithms, clutter-rejection schemes, and radar cross-section (RCS) interactions across complex surface and low-altitude air threats.
• Radar System Modeling & Link Budgets: Build and evaluate RF link budgets, wave propagation models, and fade-margin calculations. Apply electromagnetic wave fundamentals and radar range equations to calculate signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), assess pulse repetition frequencies, and optimize fire control target designation speed.
• Tactical Communications & C2 Data Links: Support the electrical and logical integration of real-time command, telemetry, and guidance data links connecting missile platforms with shipboard combat control suites (such as Aegis and Ship Self Defense System). Analyze signal modulation schemes, protocol handshakes, and transmission delays across ship-to-missile uplinks and downlinks.
• Fire Control Logic & RF Mutual Interference: Assist in evaluating weapon system engagement rules and emitter scheduling logic. Analyze how simultaneous radar transmissions affect multi-missile salvos and verify algorithms designed to eliminate mutual RF jamming and increase total probability of kill.
• Flight Test Instrumentation & Telemetry Data Analysis: Support the engineering planning and execution of instrumented live-fire missile trials. Review target RF augmentation packages, monitor live telemetry streams, and analyze post-flight sensor recordings to measure real-world performance against computer simulations.
• Technical Hardware Reviews & Engineering Changes: Review OEM electrical schematics, microwave component drawings, Technical Data Packages (TDPs), and Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Provide actionable technical assessments on proposed hardware updates, component replacements, and electronic protection (EP) upgrades.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or Applied Physics with an RF/electromagnetics focus (recent graduates encouraged to apply).
• Modeling & Simulation Toolkit: Hands-on academic experience using MATLAB, Python, Simulink, LabVIEW, or modern RF modeling and simulation packages (e.g., HFSS, ADS, or CST Studio).
• Core Electrical Fundamentals: Strong understanding of electromagnetic fields, antenna theory, RF link calculations, circuit analysis, digital signal processing, and communication protocols.
• Technical Drive: Eagerness to master shipboard radar systems, guided missile sensors, and electronic warfare environments while learning from senior technical mentors

Skills

Preferred

• MATLAB
• Python
• Simulink
• LabVIEW
• HFSS
• ADS
• CST Studio
• Electromagnetic fields

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical, Dependent Care & Commuter)
• Company paid Short-Term, Long-Term, Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Certifications
• Compensation at Decision Technologies, Inc. is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience; as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.
• 70,000 - 90,000 USD per year (PAE Munitions Crystal City)