Temporary Professional, RF Systems Engineering, Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy, 86877

Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy (MIDE), in the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN), at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is a fast-growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principals with a pragmatic, results-driven and collaborative philosophy. Whether it's restoring health and wellness in the urban food-desert, or developing state-of-the-art anti-drone technologies to protect our cities or troops, we're on it.

The team is growing and we have an outstanding opportunity for a Professional RF Systems Engineer to temporarily join our team. You would work with us in solving wicked challenges in defense, energy, and health by transitioning fundamental solutions requires a team of highly specialized, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who seek answers to hard questions in a collaborative environment with world-class research organizations from coast-to-coast.

For more information about the history of MIDE and our diverse team, check out our website:
www.umkc.edu/mide/

MIDE is seeking a Temporary Professional to support the RF Systems Engineering needs of the team who has and will demonstrate a deep knowledge of experience in the detailed design, fabrication, validation, and analysis of high-power electromagnetic generation to support the high-power microwave development group. Experience in solid-state switching technologies, pulse forming networks, pulsed power electronics, computational electromagnetics, high voltage and RF circuit design/layout architecture, and standalone/arrayed antenna design is a must. This position requires a solid foundation in electromagnetic, power electronics theory and application. Hands-on experience is vital and required.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Work within the RF Systems Team on R&D projects and develop technologies while acting as a pathfinder for resolving extreme technical challenges.
• Executing, assisting, and mentoring students and staff in multiple R&D efforts:
  • design of pulsed power, RF, and directed energy components and systems;
  • modeling, simulation, and visualization of electrical systems and phenomenon;
  • optimizing performance of electrical systems through iterative use of simulations;
  • mitigation techniques for high power EMC;
  • packaging, mounting and integration of RF components within a system;
  • performance/oversight of sub-system, component-level, and full system testing;
  • communications, controls, and data acquisition of system and system components;
  • developing innovative antenna, waveguide, transmission lines, and related components;
  • documentation;
• Documentation including but not limited to technical reports and briefings as required.
• Work and communicate well within one or more teams.
• Strong communication, both verbal and written, and organizational/time-management skills.
• Interface with multiple engineering and non-engineering cross-functional team members.
• Generate and justify application driven requirements and illuminate tradeoffs to balance the mechanical, electrical, thermal and radiofrequency needs of the system, including regulated compliance(s).
• Analyze, design for and measure RF systems/antenna dynamic range, noise figure, attenuation, intermodulation, antenna noise temperature G/T and EIRP calculations.

NOTE: This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued funding. This is a temporary position expected to conclude on and not extend beyond September 30th, 2026.

This is a part-time role expected to average 10 hours per week (.25 FTE). This role is paid biweekly and must submit time on timesheets to be paid.

Standard schedule is within Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm or comparable. As a results-orientated organization, we support flexible schedules. Expect occasional travel for research collaborations, conference attendance, and offsite briefings.

Have and maintain a United States security clearance at the Secret level or higher.

The ideal team member will demonstrate:

• a passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems;
• a hands-on, pragmatic problem solving approach for mission-critical applied research;
• the ability to operate in agile and dynamic working environments as a core team player and independent individual;
• creativity and versatility in designing, prototyping, and validating pulse power solutions for complex electrical and computational problems; a curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn new skills, methods, systems, and technologies;
• effective verbal and written communication skills to inform and guide team-members; and,
• excellent organizational skills to prioritize and execute on both long-term and short parallel assignments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering plus minimum of 3 years direct experience OR Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering plus minimum of 1 years direct experience
• 3+ years of RF Engineering experience with similar projects as listed below:
  • Antenna Systems: Antenna System Analysis, Phased Array Subsystems, High Power Subsystems, Antenna Subsystems including Phase Array Subsystems, Array Analysis,
  • Electromagnetic Analysis, Array Calibration, Signal Level Analysis, Assembly, Integration and Test at the System and Subsystem levels
  • RF/Microwave Design: Simulation and Layout, Passive Circuits, Amplifiers, Ferrites, Component Test, Material Characterization
  • Antenna Design: Radiating Elements, Reflectors, Feedhorns, Radomes/Frequency Selective Surfaces, Simulation and Layout, Antenna Test
• Strong academic background that includes courses in: Antennas, Phased Arrays, Microwave
• Engineering, Electromagnetic Theory and Radar Systems
• Knowledge/experience in high peak-power antenna design (~UHF thru X-band, or higher).
• Experience with platform-conformal antenna techniques.
• Design of single/multi-band low profile antennas, waveguides, transmission lines, and baluns.
• Knowledge and ability to use design and simulation software such as CST, ANSYS-HFSS, FEKO, COMSOL, 3DS-Antenna Magnus, SolidWorks, Altium, and LTspice.
• Antenna characterization, including near-field, far-field, and compact-range based methods.
• Experience testing to MIL-STD and other recognized standards requirements.
• Custom design of microwave components such as transitions, polarizers, duplexers, and filters.
• Experience in meta-materials, frequency-selective surfaces, and/or reflect-arrays is a plus.
• Leadership, project management professional and team training/certifications.
• Existing Secret clearance or ability to obtain an interim Secret clearance prior to start date.
• Professional Engineering license.
• Teaching, mentoring and coaching experience for all ages, disciplines.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $40.00 hourly.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: The Temporary Professional title is not a graded position within the Global Grading System.

University Title: Temporary Professional

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Posted until filled.

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.