RF PCB Designer

Standard Job Description

We are seeking an expert RF PCB Designer to lead the development of high-speed, high-frequency printed-wire assemblies (PWAs) covering the L-, S-, C-, and X-band spectra (1-12 GHz). The incumbent will own complete board-level RF design cycles-from concept, schematic capture, and electromagnetic (EM) simulation through layout, fabrication, assembly, and test-while ensuring compliance with all applicable IPC standards and leveraging state-of-the-art fabrication materials. In addition, this senior designer will mentor mid-level and junior RF PCB engineers, drive best-in-class design-for-manufacturability (DFM) practices, and support the program’s security-controlled environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end RF PCB design for L-, S-, C-, X-band applications, producing schematics, layout, stack-up, and documentation that meet performance, size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints.
• Conduct high-frequency EM analysis (SIwave, CST-MICROWAVE STUDIO, HFSS, ADS) to verify insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and radiation characteristics
• Select and specify appropriate PCB substrate, prepreg, copper foil, and surface-finish materials (e.g., PTFE-based, Rogers, Taconic, liquid-crystal polymer, low-loss ceramics, high-TC, copper-clad glass, etc.) for each frequency band and power level.
  • IPC-2221/IPC-2222 (General PCB Design)
  • IPC-2141 (RF/High-Speed PCB Design)
  • IPC-6012 (Qualification and Performance of Rigid PCBs)
  • IPC-2223 (Multilayer PCBs)
  • IPC-4101/4102 (Materials)
  • IPC-2581/2583 (Data Transfer)
  • IPC-2224 (Cable & Wire Assemblies)
• Develop and maintain design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) guidelines specific to high-frequency PWAs (controlled impedance, via stitching, grounding strategies, component placement, probe-pad design, etc.).
• Generate complete manufacturing documentation (GERBER/ODB++, IPC-2581 files, assembly drawings, test plans, bill of materials, material declaration forms).
• Liaise with fabricators and assembly houses (including controlled-environment vendors) to validate process capabilities, conduct yield analyses, and resolve production-related issues.
• Lead technical reviews (Design Reviews, FAI, CDR, PDR) and present findings to cross-functional teams and program leadership.
• Mentor and coach mid-level and junior RF PCB designers, providing technical guidance, code-review style layout checks, and career-development support.
• Maintain compliance with security protocols (need-to-know, classified data handling, secure workspaces) and ensure all design artifacts are stored in authorized classified repositories.
• Stay current on emerging RF PCB technologies (e.g., 3D-stacked interposers, embedded passives, metamaterial substrates, additive manufacturing) and recommend adoption where beneficial.
• Contribute to continuous-improvement initiatives (process optimization, tooling upgrades, knowledge-base creation).

Standard Job Description: Researches, develops, designs, and tests electrical components, equipment, systems, and networks. Designs electrical equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes. Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Clearance: Active Top-Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire)
• Experience:
  • ≥ 15 years of hands-on RF PCB design experience in L-, S-, C-, X-band ranges.
  • Demonstrated experience designing Printed Wire Assemblies (PWA) for high-frequency/high-power systems.
  • Technical Skills:
  • • Proficiency with high-frequency PCB layout tools (Allegro/OrCAD, Cadence Allegro, Mentor Xpedition).
    • Expertise in EM simulation (HFSS, CST, ADS Momentum, SIwave).
    • Solid understanding of transmission-line theory, controlled-impedance routing, via design, filter integration, and high-speed signal integrity.
  • Standards Knowledge: In-depth familiarity with all IPC references listed above, including the ability to interpret and apply them to classified projects.
  • Materials Expertise: Practical knowledge of advanced PCB substrates and finishes (Rogers, Taconic, Isola, Nelco, Duroid, PTFE, ceramic, flexible-rigid laminates) and the impact of material properties on loss, dielectric constant, thermal expansion, and reliability.
  • Security & Compliance: Proven ability to work in a Top-Secret environment, handling classified data per DoD/National Security regulations.
  • Soft Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, strong problem-solving mindset, and ability to work cross-functionally with RF, mechanical, firmware, and test teams.

Desired Skills

• Advanced Degrees: M.S. or Ph.D. in RF/Microwave Engineering
• Tool Proficiency: Experience with HFSS/CSA, Altium Designer (Altium 3-D Viewer + integrated FEM), Mentor Xpedition ( Ansys HFSS & CST Studio Suite), SolidWorks PDM, Git-based version control for PCB data, and PLM/ALM systems.
• Emerging-Tech Exposure: Work with 3-D-printed RF structures, low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC), embedded passive components, or integrated antenna-in-package designs.
• Testing Experience: Hands-on involvement with high-frequency test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, time-domain reflectometer, low-noise amplifiers, power meters).

Pay Information

GeoZone Definition: GeoZones are geographic groupings created by Lockheed Martin to align compensation ranges with regional labor markets and cost-of-labor differences across the United States. Locations are assigned a Geo Zone based on the primary work location of the role.

• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 1): $161300.00 - $299500.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Sunnyvale CA; Pal Alto, CA; New York City metropolitan area; Newark, New Jersey; etc.
• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 2): $145100.00 - $269500.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Denver, CO; King of Prussia, PA; Stratford, CT; Moorestown, NJ; etc.
• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 3): $129000.00 - $239600.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Orlando, FL; Grand Prairie, TX; Marietta, GA; etc.
• Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 4): $116100.00 - $215700.00
  • Includes metropolitan areas such as Camden, AR; Lexington, KY; Lufkin, TX; etc.

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.

Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.