senior technical authority and RF Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME)

About

Akima Systems Engineering is looking to hire a senior technical authority and RF Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep expertise in maritime RF and communications systems. This person will lead research and technology insertion efforts for next-generation maritime detect and surveillance systems. This role will drive innovation in broad-spectrum RF signal detection, sensor integration, and advanced communication technologies to support the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) mission.

This position is hybrid, requiring selected candidate to reside in the National Capital Region (NCR).

This position requires travel as needed (up to 50% if needed within US).

This Hybrid position requires that you live within commuting distance from Alexandria VA.

Responsibilities

• This role serves as the senior technical expert for RF and communications systems, including software-defined radios, in a maritime environment. You’ll work closely with a team to solve system-integration challenges and develop solutions that support maritime surveillance operations.
• Lead the investigation, integration, design and development of RF communications engineering initiatives integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) anomaly detection at the tactical edge.
• Develop and integrate software defined radios for mesh networks and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET) to enable resilient communications in maritime environments.
• Serve as the expert on maritime sensor technologies and standards. Lead research on emerging RF sensors for wide‑band signal detection (HF through microwave and beyond) and ensure thorough hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing and RF performance validation.
• Conduct and produce technical assessments and reports, feasibility studies, recommendations and performance evaluations of RF new technologies for insertion into USCG programs. Propose solutions to maritime surveillance requirements gaps.
• Collaborate with engineering, research, and program management teams to guide system architecture and technology roadmaps.
• Recommend policies, doctrine, tactics, and procedures given past expert opinion or using analysis of actual outcomes.
• Conduct periodic meetings with Coast Guard for collaborative development sessions, program reviews, and design reviews.
• Act as an alternate to the Systems Engineer for support to this program.
• Support development of all technical documentation required by C5ISC SELC processes. Provide input as requested by the USCG in the development of Engineering Change documentation.
• Provide and review formal reports and documentation including any deficiencies identified as directed by the COR.

Qualifications

• Secret clearance is required.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• At least 8 years of C4I System Engineering or RF engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the field of Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering or related field.
• Four years’ experience with Coast Guard RF sensor technologies or engineering. (Alternatively, a candidate with ten or more years of experience in maritime RF sensor support may fulfill the minimum qualification requirements in lieu of the degree).
• Proven track record as a technical authority or senior engineer in RF system design and integration and team environments. Familiarity with standards and protocols for RF communications and spectrum management.
• Experience with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Coast Guard maritime RF technologies or other military RF technologies. Experience with maritime surveillance systems, SIGINT, or electronic warfare.
• Experience with broad-spectrum RF signal detection, including HF, VHF, UHF, microwave, and emerging frequency bands. Expertise in signal processing, spectrum analysis, and interference mitigation. Proficiency in RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, CST, HFSS).
• Knowledge of AI/ML techniques for RF signal classification and anomaly detection. Understand current emerging RF technologies, spectrum-monitoring tools, AI/ML advancements, and relevant industry standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex RF challenges.
• Must be able to travel as needed (up to 50%).
• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement and technical reporting.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.