RF Engineer

*** An active Public Trust or the ability to obtain a Public Trust is required for consideration. ***

The RF (Radio Frequency) Engineer will help us solve the nation's most pressing telecommunications challenges by supporting the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) with testing and evaluation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Radio Frequency and Interference Monitoring System (RFIMS). RFIMS is designed to monitor, identify, and mitigate harmful radio frequency interference from mobile wireless carriers at weather satellite earth stations.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for RF Engineer: $105,000 to $110,000

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided.  Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

RF Engineer Responsibilities Include: 

• Design and execute controlled lab and field experiments that simulate dynamic spectrum sharing environments.
• Configure and operate software-defined radios (SDRs), signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and testbeds to evaluate RF behavior under interference and coexistence scenarios.
• Develop automated test scripts to simulate real-world usage patterns and monitor system behavior.
• Collect and process high-fidelity RF recordings to support post-test signal analysis and characterization.
• Evaluate performance degradation or resilience of incumbent and commercial systems operating in shared frequency bands.
• Maintain and improve software tools for test automation, signal capture, and post-processing of RF data.
• Implement real-time control of test instrumentation using SCPI and Python-based tools.
• Develop utilities for spectrum occupancy analysis, interference detection, and protocol-level decoding.
• Analyze measurement data to assess coexistence risks, interference susceptibility, and spectral efficiency.
• Prepare technical documentation including test plans, configuration descriptions, methodologies, and results.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

RF Engineer Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: 

• BS in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Physics, specializing in RF engineering/electromagnetics + 4-6 years experience; OR
• MS in EE or Physics, specializing in RF engineering/electromagnetics + 2-4 years experience; OR
• PhD in EE or Physics, specializing in RF engineering/electromagnetics + 0-2 years experience.
• Must be proficient with Matlab and/or Python.
• Must be familiar with instrument control via SCPI.
• Mut be familiar with operation of spectrum analyzers and signal generators.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to walk distances up to 100 yards in uneven terrain.
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable on a rooftop with proper safety equipment.
• Must have a valid US driver’s license and be able to drive government vehicles such as a large pickup truck.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in waveform synthesis and modeling.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience performing RF measurements in a field environment.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs (CNSP) is a part of Cherokee Federal – the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNSP, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-RA2 #AppC

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar searchable job titles:

• RF Design Engineer

• RF Test Engineer

• RF Systems Engineer

• Wireless Network Engineer

• RF Optimization Engineer

Keywords:

• Radio Frequency (RF)

• Wireless Communication

• Network Optimization

• Spectrum Analysis

• RF Design

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.