RF Design Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Orion Edge is a defense technology leader driving the future of electronic warfare and advanced hardware systems. Join our team where you will support the full lifecycle of complex, mission-critical hardware design!

The RF Design IPT (Integrated Product Team) Lead is responsible for the technical execution and hardware delivery of high-frequency subsystems. This role specifically emphasizes the transition from theoretical design to physical reality. You will lead the "Build-Test-Learn" cycle, overseeing the fabrication of prototypes and the rigorous validation required to meet mission-critical defense specifications.

Level: Mid-Senior (5-8 years experience)

Core Responsibilities

• Prototyping Strategy and Execution: Lead the rapid prototyping phase for RF modules. This includes selecting materials, overseeing PCB fabrication/assembly vendors, and managing "Quick-Turn" internal builds to validate design assumptions early in the development cycle.
• Test Plan Development: Develop and oversee Design Verification Test (DVT) plans by defining the success criteria for Gain, Noise, Spurious Emissions, and VSWR across temperature and environmental constraints..
• Hands-on Leadership: Act as the lead engineer in the lab during critical integration phases. You will troubleshoot complex failures using VNAs, Spectrum Analyzers, and Power Meters to perform root cause analysis.
• Cross-Functional Technical Lead: Bridge the gap between RF designers and other engineering specialties to ensure the physical prototype meets SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) constraints without sacrificing signal performance.
• Production Readiness: Ensure that prototypes are "Design for Manufacturing" compliant. You will lead the transition from the Engineering Development Model (EDM) to the final production-ready hardware.

Key Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant field.
• Experience: 5-8 years in RF/Microwave engineering, with at least 3 years leading physical hardware testing or prototyping efforts.
• Prototyping Skills: Expert level knowledge of RF PCB layout requirements (stack-ups, controlled impedance, isolation) and experience with various materials.
• Testing Expertise: Advanced proficiency in calibrating and operating VNAs, Signal Generators, and Real-time Spectrum Analyzers. Experience with automated test software is highly preferred.
• Troubleshooting: Proven ability to perform and lead component-level troubleshooting on micro-strip and stripline circuits. Proficiency in precision soldering and microscope work for prototype tuning is a plus.
• Simulation: Ability to use HFSS or ADS not just for initial design, but for post-tuning simulations to reconcile lab data with theoretical models.
• Defense Standards: Working knowledge of MIL-PRF-38534 or similar standards for high-reliability electronics.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance (Secret or higher)