Senior Electrical Engineer - Radio Frequency (RF) Systems
4 months ago
Austin
Job DescriptionSaronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Position OverviewSaronic Technologies is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Radio Frequency (RF) systems to join our Electrical Engineering – Advanced Development group. This role will focus on the research, evaluation, and integration of RF communications and sensing technologies - including radio transceivers, radar systems, antennas, and related electronics - supporting autonomous vessel networks and situational awareness. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in RF system design, testing, and benchmarking, with a strong foundation in wireless communications, spectrum management, and signal propagation in marine environments. This is a technically demanding, research-focused position with opportunities to influence system architecture and future platform capabilities.Key Responsibilities • Lead R&D efforts in RF communications, radar, and electronic sensing technologies for autonomous surface vessels., • Evaluate and benchmark RF hardware and subsystems, including radios, antennas, and signal processing modules across multiple frequency bands (VHF/UHF, L/S/C/X bands)., • Conduct trade studies and comparative analyses of commercial and military-grade RF solutions to inform system selection and integration strategies., • Design, prototype, and test RF systems and supporting electrical architectures, including cabling, shielding, and power interfaces., • Model and analyze RF propagation and link performance in maritime and littoral environments., • Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy, software, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless integration of communication and sensing systems., • Develop test procedures, perform validation trials, and analyze system performance under operational and environmental conditions., • Author detailed R&D documentation, including technical reports, design specifications, and performance evaluations., • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Saronic’s RF technology roadmap and internal knowledge base., • Support field testing and vessel trials, including setup and troubleshooting of communication and radar systems.Required Qualifications, • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related discipline., • 7+ years of professional experience in RF system design, testing, and integration -preferably in maritime, automotive, aerospace, or defense applications., • Deep understanding of RF theory, antenna design, and signal propagation, including real-world marine effects (multipath, reflection, attenuation)., • Hands-on experience with RF instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, power meters, etc.)., • Proven ability to conduct trade studies and technology benchmarking for RF components and systems., • Familiarity with communications protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, and serial interfaces, and with wireless standards (LTE, SATCOM, mesh networking)., • Strong documentation and communication skills; able to translate test results into actionable design insights., • Ability to work effectively in both lab and field test environments (dockside, at-sea, and range conditions).Physical Requirements, • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer., • Occasional standing and walking within the office., • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment., • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports., • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies., • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages). Benefits, • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services, • Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care, • Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents, • Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays, • Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents, • Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses, • Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan, • Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success, • Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage