Principal Engineer Jobs in Bedford, MA

Principal RF Design Engineer - SME Communications/Electronic Warfare

$15,000 Signing Bonus | Relocation Assistance Provided | Location: Huntsville, Alabama

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal RF Design Engineer to serve as a Subject Matter Expert in advanced communications and electronic warfare systems. This role is based in Huntsville, Alabama, and includes relocation assistance along with a $15,000 signing bonus.

Position Type: Full-Time | Hybrid

Pay Range: $165k - $250k annually with annual bonus potential

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Help shape the future of Electronic Warfare.

Secmation is seeking a Principal RF Design Engineer to lead the development of advanced military communications and electronic warfare systems. As a technical leader and RF Subject Matter Expert, you will design and deliver mission-critical capabilities that support the modern warfighter.

We're looking for a hands-on engineer with deep expertise in RF design for tactical communications, including SDR, SATCOM, or advanced radar systems. You'll provide technical leadership while contributing across the full development lifecycle-from architecture and design through testing and operational deployment.

Based in Huntsville, Alabama, you'll collaborate with defense customers and engineering teams to develop next-generation electronic warfare and resilient communications technologies that directly support national security.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of advanced RF, radar, communications, and EW systems-including receivers, transmitters, front-end architectures, and tactical military communication solutions.
• Provide SME-level guidance across Electronic Support, Attack, and Protection (ES/EA/EP), applying deep knowledge of radar, COMINT, SIGINT, and threat modeling to shape system concepts and architectures.
• Develop and refine system models, simulations, and signal-processing algorithms in MATLAB/Python, transitioning concepts from analysis to embedded implementation.
• Drive systems engineering activities, including requirements development, system architecture, trade studies, and preparation for major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Lead integration and test of RF/EW systems in lab and field environments, developing HWIL approaches, automated test procedures, and resolving complex RF or interoperability issues.
• Serve as a senior technical leader and customer-facing SME, mentoring engineering staff, guiding technical execution across projects, and presenting findings to internal leadership and government stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Must have an active DoD Top Secret Clearance
• BS in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 15+ years' experience in military RF systems including simulation, system design, software, and implementation of communication systems and EW
• Proficient in the design, implementation, and analysis of military communication systems including adaptive tuning, optimization, and error correction
• Experience in C/C++ for embedded applications
• Experience in Electronic Warfare (EW) system design and applications
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment as part of a small team and execute complex development tasks with limited supervision.

Work Environment

• Hybrid role with on-site work required in Huntsville, AL.
• Core work hours are Monday to Friday, with flexible 9/80 work schedules.
• Collaborative,fast paced and technically innovative environment with remote team integration.

Why Choose Secmation

Secmation is a proven, high-impact small business with over a decade of mission success-offering technical leaders the rare opportunity to shape both cutting-edge technology and the engineering culture behind it. As part of our leadership team, you'll guide technical strategy, mentor engineers, and help deliver capabilities that redefine what's possible for defense missions.

In this role, you'll lead the development of next-generation RF and cyber-integrated systems, bringing together AI-enabled RF analysis, trusted execution, and secure digital-engineering pipelines to build technology where security is designed in from day one. You'll drive architecture and product roadmaps that enable earlier detection of cyber/EW risks, faster adaptation in the field, and a smoother path from concept to deployed capability. Your leadership will directly influence products that change the defense landscape and equip mission operators with smarter, more secure tools.

At Secmation, you won't be just another engineer - you'll be part of the core team shaping the future of secure, autonomous, and AI-driven defense systems.

Small company. Big mission. Real engineering.

CompensationBenefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience and market conditions)
• One-time signing bonus
• Relocation assistance
• Company equity
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
• Paid time offflexible work schedules
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance (shortlong-term)
• 401(k) retirement benefits plus employer contributions
• And more!

About Secmation

Secmation is not an IT company - we specialize in AI-driven software solutions, embedded cybersecurity, and secure RF systems for the defense industry. Our mission is to deliver next-generation secure technologies for electronic warfare, autonomous systems, and critical defense applications.

Visit www.secmation.com to learn more about our work and impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Secmation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, gender, orientation, identity, religion, or veteran status. U.S. Citizenship is required for this position due to government clearance requirements.

The salary range for this position represents a general guideline; however, Secmation considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills, work location, current market conditions, and other bona fide data.

This position qualifies for a discretionary performance-based bonus which is based on personal and company factors.