Senior Electrical Engineer – Radio Frequency (RF) Systems

Senior Electrical Engineer – Radio Frequency (Rf) Systems

Saronic 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 Overview

Saronic 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
• Additional perks: free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office