Independent Software

Hardware Engineer, Level 1

Hardware Engineering - Annapolis Junction, MD - Full Time

What You Will Do:

At Independent Software, as a RF Hardware Engineer Level 1, you will design, install, test, and maintain advanced RF and SATCOM systems supporting mission-critical operations. You will work across the full lifecycle of RF systems, ensuring reliable performance across multiple frequency bands including C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, and Q/V-band.

In this role, you will support complex RF system deployments in both controlled and austere environments, applying deep technical expertise to optimize system performance and ensure operational readiness. You will collaborate with system engineers, program teams, and field personnel to deliver high-performance communication capabilities.


Key Responsibilities:
 
  • Design, install, and test RF and SATCOM hardware systems across multiple frequency bands (C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q/V-band)
  • Account for environmental and signal propagation factors including atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric effects, rain fade, and polarization mismatch
  • Conduct site surveys and support installation activities including antenna alignment, hardware rack and stack, and system integration
  • Operate and maintain earth-terminal control systems to establish and sustain communication links
  • Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance on RF systems and components
  • Troubleshoot and resolve RF hardware issues in real-time, including degraded signal performance and system faults
  • Apply anti-jamming techniques and enforce operational and safety procedures
  • Utilize RF test equipment such as Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers
  • Perform RF measurements including S-parameters, P1dB, TOI, noise figure, phase noise, and group delay
  • Conduct non-linear analysis including intermodulation distortion (IMD) and spectral regrowth
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation including schematics, diagrams, engineering plans, and test reports
  • Create AutoCAD and Visio drawings and support as-built documentation and system design packages
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams including system engineers, program managers, and test personnel
  • Support installations, testing, and maintenance activities in remote or field environments (up to 15% travel)
  • Lead or support inspection and maintenance teams, and provide guidance to site personnel as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications:
 
  • Strong experience in RF system design, installation, and testing, with a focus on SATCOM systems
  • Experience working with RF hardware across multiple frequency bands (C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q/V-band)
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers
  • Knowledge of RF signal propagation, interference, and environmental impacts on system performance
  • Experience troubleshooting complex RF systems and implementing corrective actions
  • Ability to perform hardware installation, antenna alignment, and system integration activities
  • Experience developing maintenance procedures and conducting system inspections
  • Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and performance analysis
  • Ability to produce technical documentation, engineering plans, and reports
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to work independently in dynamic and field-based environments
  • Physical ability to climb antennas, lift equipment, and perform hands-on installation work

Education and Experience:
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university
  • Relevant experience supporting RF systems design, installation, and maintenance may be substituted for a degree
  • Experience supporting SATCOM systems and field deployments is highly preferred
Clearance Requirement:
 
  • Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role
Why Choose Independent Software:

At Independent Software, our people are the mission. We’ve built a company around collaboration, integrity, and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow, succeed, and thrive.

When you join us, you will:
  • Support critical national security missions that matter
  • Be part of a close-knit, employee-first culture where your voice is heard
  • Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
  • Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work-life balance

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Apply today.


We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

 
Apply: Hardware Engineer, Level 1
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List any current certifications relevant to RF, SATCOM, or networking (if applicable):
What SATCOM frequency bands do you have hands-on experience designing, installing, or testing?*
Have you used a vector network analyzer (e.g., Keysight PNA-X) to measure RF parameters such as S-parameters (S11/S21)?*
Which of the following RF test instruments have you used hands-on? (Check all that apply)*
Have you measured or analyzed any of the following RF parameters? (Check all that apply)*
Have you performed SATCOM link-budget analyses that account for rain-fade, atmospheric attenuation, or polarization mismatch?*
Have you conducted site surveys, climbed antennas, or physically aligned RF/SATCOM antennas?*
Have you performed preventive or corrective maintenance on operational RF or SATCOM systems?*
Have you conducted or supported intermodulation distortion (IMD) testing using two-tone or similar methods?*
Have you created RF design or engineering documentation (e.g., schematics, block diagrams, AutoCAD or Visio drawings)?*
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