Engineering Manager I - RF Solutions

Company: Ball Corporation
Location: Westminster
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Clearance Requirement: A current, active Secret security clearance is required.

Ball Aerospace is powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus. We pioneer discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely.

At our core, we're passionate, committed people who believe together we can achieve extraordinary things. We work collaboratively with each other, our customers and partners to solve the world's greatest challenges. That means listening to one another, providing feedback and partnering across all levels. We value our inclusive culture where everyone is heard equally and creativity thrives. Each team member is fully invested in our mission and we bring an energy to work every day that propels our business and motivates us all to Go Beyond. -

For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter or Instagram .

The Engineering Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the organizational talent and technical leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

Engineering Manager I - RF Solutions

This engineering management position will report to the manager of RF Solutions and will have Radio Frequency (RF) engineering as its area of specialization with design and test of RF antennas, systems, and components as the primary focus. This position will be approximately 80% direct to program support and 20% functional management.

What You'll Do:

• Program Support:
  • Be responsible for the hands-on design and realization of individual antennas, phased array antennas, RF circuits, passive RF components, and RF systems.
  • Use computational electromagnetic analysis software to design and predict performance on various types of antennas and apertures (spiral, sinuous, Vivaldi, patch, slot, horn, etc.)
  • Design frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs) for use with various radiating apertures.
  • Implement various design techniques (materials, shaping, etc.) for RCS mitigation where necessary.
  • Collaborate with other engineers and technicians to realize RF designs.
  • Participate and guide the testing of RF hardware for required performance metrics: VSWR, insertion loss, gain, polarization, radar cross section (RCS), etc.
  • Antenna requirement evaluation, initial concept trade-off and development, in-house and customer presentations, travel, and technical proposal writing and cost/schedule estimating.
  • Investigate new technologies and applications for radiating apertures, antennas, and RF systems.
  • Mentor and guide engineers and technicians in the design, build, and test phases of RF projects and programs.
  • Provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems involving antenna/sensor-based applications such as electronic warfare, electronic attack, electronic support measures, communications, geolocation, direction finding, etc.
  • Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts. Represent the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.
  • Interface well with other people at all levels including customers, use initiative in applying solutions to assignments.
  • Provide technical input and support to proposals and new business opportunities.
  • Functional Support:
    • Anticipate and ensure talent and skill mix of the group are in sync with the needs of programs and new business development organizations.
    • Functionally manage a group of 10-15 RF engineers who develop hardware for space, air, and ground applications.
    • Support candidate hiring selection process, assign appropriate staff to programs, conduct performance assessments and personnel actions, support salary reviews, recognition programs, ensure group has the appropriate processes in place to meet needs of programs and compliance with approved standards.
    • Ensure engineers are appropriately trained to meet needs of programs as well as employee career goals.
    • Ensure that engineers have the appropriate tools and software to meet the needs of programs.
    • Support Engineering Process Improvement goals, execute process corrective actions and Failure Review Boards as required; support internal and external audits, ensure compliance with ISO standards.
    • Support development of RF solutions in response to customer needs, and support SBU capture plans and strategies, pursuit and proposal activities, and customer relationships.
    • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
    • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
    • Perform other duties as necessary. What You'll Need:
      • BS/BA in related field plus 10 years or more related experience.
      • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
      • A current, active Secret security clearance is required.
      • Ability to self-start, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work independently and with a team.
      • Ability to apply sound leadership and management principles to an organization of high performing RF engineers and technicians developing antenna systems and components throughout the full lifecycle from proposal through delivery.
      • Relevant work experience with end-to-end RF product development, analysis and production.
      • Working knowledge of hardware quality principles for air, space and ground applications.
      • Ability to operate at the system level and interface to all engineering disciplines and organizations.
      • Relevant work experience demonstrating knowledge of RF engineering with DoD and / or NASA customers.
      • Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in relevant business environments.
      • Influencing, communication and team skills will be critical to successful execution of the duties of the position.
      • Experience operating within classified program environments. On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.
        
        Working Conditions:
        • Ball Aerospace is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.
        • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
        • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
        • May access other facilities in various weather conditions. Verification that your current security clearance or government customer access meets the requirement for this position will be required.
          
          Relocation for this position is not available.
          
          Compensation & Benefits:
          • HIRING SALARY RANGE: $139,500 - $193,500 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
          • This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.
            
            US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED
            
            Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
            
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            Nearest Major Market: Denver

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