Pulsed Power Engineer, RF Systems - Missouri Institute for Defense & Energy

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE), in the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN), at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), is a fast-growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principles 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 Pulsed Power Engineer to 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 Pulsed Power Engineer 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.
  

This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued funding.

Full time, Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm or comparable. As a results-orientated organization, we can consider flexible schedules. Expect occasional travel for research collaborations, field testing, conference attendance, and offsite briefings.

• A Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
• Have and maintain a United States security clearance at the Secret level or higher

Strongly Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master's of Science degree in electrical/RF engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

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 higher, 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 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.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $80,000 to $90,000 annually.

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: GGS 11
University Title: ENGINEER II
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.

Posting open until filled. Review of applications to begin immediately.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

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.