Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
The SARA, Inc. High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer with a focus on Computational Electromagnetics, RF Systems, and Numerical Modeling to join our team in Colorado Springs, CO.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in electromagnetic theory, computational modeling, RF and microwave engineering, antenna systems, and advanced simulation techniques. This role will support the development, analysis, and validation of innovative electromagnetic technologies for defense, aerospace, and research applications. The candidate will work alongside engineers, physicists, and technicians to solve challenging electromagnetic problems through a combination of analytical modeling, numerical simulation, laboratory testing, and experimental validation.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute across the full engineering lifecycle, including concept development, analysis, design, prototyping, testing, and customer support. Our multidisciplinary environment provides exposure to a broad range of technologies spanning computational electromagnetics, RF systems, antennas, high-power electromagnetic effects, materials characterization, and advanced modeling techniques.
The candidate must be a high-performing engineer with a strong technical pedigree in electromagnetics and RF engineering. Candidates must be collaborative, resourceful, technically curious, effective communicators, and capable of contributing in a dynamic research and development environment.
Responsibilities:
- Develop analytical, numerical, and computational models of electromagnetic systems and structures
- Perform electromagnetic analysis using industry-standard simulation tools to evaluate RF, microwave, antenna, and electromagnetic systems
- Design, model, analyze, and validate antennas, passive microwave components, RF subsystems, and advanced electromagnetic structures
- Conduct laboratory measurements and experimental validation using vector network analyzers, RF instrumentation, and related test equipment
- Analyze and interpret simulation and test data and prepare technical reports, presentations, and engineering documentation
- Investigate electromagnetic phenomena and identify physical mechanisms impacting system performance
- Support development of new modeling methods, algorithms, and computational approaches for solving complex electromagnetic problems
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate electromagnetic technologies into larger system architectures
- Support proposal development, technical planning, and customer engagements
- Contribute to technical publications, intellectual property development, and innovation initiatives
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning
Technical Skillsets
- Strong foundation in electromagnetic theory, antennas, transmission lines, RF propagation, and microwave engineering
- Experience with computational electromagnetics methods and simulation tools such as HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, FEKO, COMSOL, or equivalent
- Experience developing analytical and numerical solutions for electromagnetic problems
- Ability to correlate simulation results with measured laboratory data
- Knowledge of antenna design, phased arrays, electromagnetic materials, metamaterials, metasurfaces, or advanced RF structures
- Proficiency with MATLAB and familiarity with Python or C++ for modeling, automation, and data analysis
- Experience with RF measurement techniques utilizing vector network analyzers and related instrumentation
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with signal processing, array processing, numerical algorithms, or machine learning applications to engineering problems is desirable
Key Competencies
- Technical leadership
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Research and innovation mindset
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Initiative and self-direction
- Time management and organization
- Mentoring and professional development
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a related technical field
- 4 – 7 years of experience in computational electromagnetics, RF engineering, antenna engineering, numerical modeling, or related disciplines
- Strong understanding of electromagnetic theory and computational methods
- Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, FEKO, COMSOL, or equivalent
- Experience performing electromagnetic analysis and correlating analytical, simulated, and measured results
- Proficiency with MATLAB and familiarity with scientific programming environments
- Excellent analytical, technical writing, and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Available for moderate levels of travel and off-site work
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 20 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s or Ph.D. focused in Computational Electromagnetics, RF/Microwave Engineering, Antenna Engineering, Applied Electromagnetics, or related discipline
- 8 – 10 years of experience in defense, aerospace, national laboratory, university research, or advanced technology development environments
- Experience with antenna design, phased arrays, electromagnetic materials, metamaterials, or metasurfaces
- Experience developing analytical electromagnetic models and numerical algorithms
- Experience with Linux-based computational environments, Python, C++, CUDA/GPU computing, or high-performance computing
- Familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to engineering or modeling problems
- Demonstrated record of technical publications, patents, or innovative research contributions
- Experience supporting DoD, aerospace, intelligence community, or national laboratory programs
- Published professional/academic papers and/or patents
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: October 22, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
