Job Description

Senior Staff RF Electrical Engineer at Saab summary:

The Senior Staff RF Electrical Engineer leads the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced RF and radar systems, ensuring performance exceeds mission requirements through system-level budgeting and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This role involves modeling key RF parameters such as phase noise, CPCR, and CA, and integrating various RF subsystems including beamforming and filters. The position requires deep expertise in RF engineering, proficiency with simulation tools, and mentoring junior engineers within a defense-focused company.

We are seeking a Level 4 Senior Staff RF Engineer with a strong systems engineering focus to lead the architecture, analysis, and optimization of advanced RF systems for radar and communication applications. This role will require the ability to derive complete RF system budgets, assess and manage key performance parameters such as phase noise, CPCR (Clutter Power to Carrier Ratio), CA (Coherent Ambiguity), and more, while collaborating across engineering disciplines to ensure system performance exceeds mission requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and develop RF system architectures for radar and advanced sensing applications.

• Derive and maintain RF link/system budgets including gain, noise figure, dynamic range, and spurious performance.

• Model and predict phase noise, CPCR, CA, spurious suppression, and related RF performance metrics.

• Conduct trade studies and system optimization to balance performance, cost, and schedule.

• Guide the integration of Tx/Rx modules, LO generation/distribution, filters, and beamforming subsystems into complete radar systems.

• Work closely with hardware, firmware, DSP, and mechanical teams to ensure full system-level alignment.

• Perform root cause analysis of system performance issues and recommend design changes.

• Generate and maintain high-quality documentation for requirements, budgets, analysis reports, and verification plans.

• Provide technical mentorship to junior and mid-level RF engineers.

Compensation Range: $115,700 - $150,500

#CJ

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).

• 10+ years of experience in RF system design and analysis, preferably for radar or high-performance comms.

• Deep understanding of RF/microwave theory including gain, noise, non-linear effects, spurious content, and spectral purity.

• Demonstrated experience deriving and validating system-level RF budgets.

• Proficiency in simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, MATLAB, HFSS, CST, or similar.

• Experience with phase noise analysis, CPCR, CA, dynamic range, and link margin calculations.

• Familiarity with radar system concepts including waveforms, pulse compression, and Doppler processing.

• Strong skills with RF measurement equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, power meters).

• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in phased-array architectures and beamforming.

• Knowledge of military/aerospace standards and environmental testing.

• Strong communication skills for customer and internal design reviews.

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays

• 401(k) with employer contributions

• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance

• Wellness and employee assistance resources

• Employee stock purchase opportunities

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.

Keywords:

RF systems engineering, radar system design, phase noise analysis, RF link budgeting, beamforming, microwave engineering, defense engineering, system optimization, signal processing, simulation tools

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