Senior Scientist – Radio Frequency (RF) Measurements & Modeling

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking a Senior RF Scientist specializing in radio-frequency measurement, electromagnetic modeling, and material characterization. This role provides expert-level technical leadership across broadband RF materials characterization, high‑fidelity electromagnetic property extraction, and advanced modeling and simulation of next‑generation RF systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced RF material characterization using waveguide, free-space, coaxial probe, and hybrid methodologies.
• Execute sample preparation and modification of measurement equipment to meet program needs.
• Perform S-parameter extraction of complex permittivity and permeability using physics-based algorithms.
• Develop and validate RF workflow techniques including calibration and time-domain gating.
• Analyze broadband RF data supporting multi-dimensional electromagnetic property databases.
• Design, develop, simulate, and/or test computational electromagnetic (CEM) models for RF components and materials.
• Evaluate simulation, laboratory, and production data; prepare analyses; and recommend design or process improvements.
• Lead simulation workflows using HFSS, COMSOL, or equivalent full‑wave EM solvers to characterize performance and guide design optimization.
• Translate system‑level RF requirements into modeling strategies, simulation plans, and actionable design tasks.
• Develop parametric models, perform sensitivity analyses, and evaluate electromagnetic trade‑offs.
• Lead junior and mid-level scientists and guide technical development.
• Recommend technologies, equipment upgrades, and laboratory improvements.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams supporting government RF material research.
• Prepare technical proposals, documentation, and present findings to customers.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of RF measurement/modeling experience with a M.S. or Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, applied engineering, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
• U.S. Citizen with an active Top-Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI/SAP
• Expertise with VNA workflows including waveguide, coaxial probe, and free-space techniques.
• Experience with dielectric property extraction and generation of materials signature models.
• Experience with computational electromagnetic solvers (e.g., HFSS, FEKO, CST, COMSOL, etc.).
• Deep understanding of electromagnetic theory, RF propagation, and computational modeling techniques (FEM, FDTD, MoM).
• Ability to lead technical teams and coordinate complex tasks.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.

Global Comp

$120,000 - $200,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.