Lead RF Engineer - Payload Systems

As a Lead RF Engineer – Payload Systems at Honeywell Aerospace, you will play a key role in the design, development, and delivery of advanced engineering solutions that drive innovation, performance, and reliability across critical systems. You will work within cross-functional teams on complex projects that support next-generation products and technologies. In this role, you will contribute to the development of sophisticated software-defined radio solutions for space communications systems, ensuring robust design, integration, and performance of components and subsystems. Your strong technical expertise and hands‑on approach will be essential in delivering high-quality, reliable systems that meet demanding mission and customer requirements.

You will report directly to our Senior Engineering Manager and work out of our Cambridge, ON location on an on-site work schedule.

Honeywell Aerospace

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are used on virtually every commercial, defense, and space aircraft. We build aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, and mechanical components. Our hardware and software solutions help create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on‑time flights, and safer skies.

Safer, More Fuel-Efficient Flying and Innovations for the Future of Aviation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF hardware for communication systems from UHF to Ka Band for telemetry, telecommand, and datalink applications.
• Design active RF circuits including LNAs, SSPAs, driver amplifiers, mixers, frequency converters, frequency synthesizers, and PLLs.
• Perform RF architecture trades, link budgets, gain/noise analysis, linearity, and dynamic range calculations.
• Develop RF schematics, perform component selection, and support PCB layout.
• Conduct RF simulations using tools such as AWR, ADS, CST, HFSS, and MATLAB.
• Perform RF testing and troubleshooting using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and noise figure analyzers.
• Support environmental and qualification testing (EMI/EMC, thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, etc.).
• Investigate and resolve RF performance issues across development, integration, and production.
• Produce technical documentation (design reports, test procedures, verification reports, design reviews).
• Support product owner and project engineer in product development and meeting technical milestones.
• Support customer technical interactions and design reviews.

Qualifications

The annual base salary range for this position is $112,000-150,000 in Ontario. This position is incentive plan eligible and currently available. The Honeywell Aerospace building is a controlled- goods program environment; candidates must be eligible for CGP and CSP security clearance.

Must Have

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• Proven track record in designing and testing active RF circuits and systems.
• Minimum 7+ years’ industrial experience in RF/microwave hardware development.
• Strong understanding of RF system analysis, including:
• RF line‑up analysis
• Link budget calculation
• Linearity, intermodulation, EVM, transmitter performance
• Noise figure, SNR, BER, receiver sensitivity
• Phase noise and frequency synthesis
• Hands‑on experience with RF measurements and debugging.

We Value

• Experience in aerospace, defence, or space communication systems, including exposure to mission‑critical RF applications.
• Experience in telemetry, telecommand, or satellite communication systems, with familiarity in SDR-based and digital communication architectures.
• Understanding of RF system lifecycle and qualification processes, including EMI/EMC, environmental testing, and product certification.
• Familiarity with advanced radio architectures, including FPGA-based systems and high-speed digital interfaces.
• Experience supporting formal engineering design reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and structured development processes.
• Strong technical ownership and accountability, with the ability to take designs from development through integration and delivery.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving capability in complex RF/system environments.
• Commitment to engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and high-quality delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently on complex technical tasks with limited supervision.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering engineering solutions from requirements through to implementation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Passion for innovation and continuous learning.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality delivery.

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