Radio Frequency Engineer - Early Career with Security Clearance
The Radio Frequency Engineer at Confidential Client will design and develop hardware for active electronic steerable phased array antennas used in radar and military systems. This role involves requirement development, component selection, schematic and PCB design, prototype testing, and supporting production transition, while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and managing schedules and budgets. The position requires a US citizen with a government security clearance and offers opportunities for career growth in a mission-critical environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential client in the Engineering sector is hiring an entry-level Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to join an RF hardware engineering team. This early-career role supports design, prototype, test, and production transition of RF hardware for phased-array antenna and radar systems. The position requires U.S. citizenship and will require a government security clearance. This role is based onsite in Jewell Manor, NY at a facility that requires special access.
Key responsibilities
- Contribute to hardware design and development for active electronically scanned/phased array antennas and associated distribution architectures.
- Develop lower-level requirements, perform component selection, and create schematics.
- Design printed circuit boards (PCBs) and support layout reviews and manufacturability.
- Build and run component and prototype tests; document results and recommend design changes.
- Develop and maintain test plans, perform trade studies, and support transition to production.
- Communicate technical status and results to program teams and internal/external stakeholders.
- Help manage schedules and budgets for assigned tasks; collaborate across mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams.
- Occasionally travel to support program objectives and supplier activities.
Basic qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Coursework or hands-on experience relevant to RF / microwave design and test.
- Familiarity with electronics and RF benchtop measurement techniques and test equipment (e.g., network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators).
- Ability to occasionally travel to support program objectives.
- Must be a U.S. citizen; role requires a government security clearance and is located at a facility that requires special access.
Desired skills & tools
- Familiarity with PCB design and ECAD tools such as Mentor Xpedition, Altium Designer, or Zuken.
- Experience with RF modeling/simulation tools such as Keysight ADS / SystemVue, Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or AWR Microwave Office.
- Strong documentation skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office / 365.
- Effective written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.
- Past internship or co-op experience in RF/microwave or hardware engineering is a plus.
Compensation & benefits
- Full-time salary range (posted): $67,000 - $124,400 per year.
- Comprehensive benefits may include: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, parental leave, employee assistance programs, flexible work schedules (e.g., 4x10), FSA/HSA options, education assistance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and potential incentive programs.
- Actual pay offers consider role scope, experience, skills, and local market factors. This posting meets pay-transparency requirements for New York.
Location & employment type
- Work location: Jewell Manor, NY (on-site at a secure facility).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a government security clearance required.
Keywords (for candidate search)
- Radio Frequency Engineer
- RF Engineer entry level Jewell Manor NY
- Phased array antenna design
- PCB design Altium/Mentor Xpedition
- RF test and measurement
- Security clearance required (U.S. citizen)
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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