Junior Field Applications Engineer

About the Role

The CRFS (Cambridge Radio Frequency Systems) team is seeking a Junior Field Applications Engineer to support senior engineers in technical customer engagement, hands-on equipment operations, and field deployments. This role offers the opportunity to build skills and experience to become a subject matter expert in RF spectrum monitoring and geolocation technology. This position is based at CRFS' U.S. Headquarters in Reston, VA, and is fully onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Support: Provide local assistance to senior Field Applications Engineers, maintain demonstration equipment, and set up/test systems prior to field use.
• Technical Training: Learn and deliver customer training on basic CRFS system and software operations.
• Diagnostic Support: Perform diagnostics and basic repairs on CRFS equipment in office and field environments.
• Field Integration: Deploy to customer locations to assist with installation, configuration, and testing of CRFS equipment.
• Documentation: Assist in developing test plans and contribute to project summary reports.
• Sales Support: Prepare equipment for demonstrations and assist with technical presentations for Sales Teams.
• Inventory Management: Maintain and manage demonstration equipment inventory, ensuring it is calibrated, updated, and ready for deployment.
• Travel: Up to 25% travel, primarily domestic with some international, to customer sites and trade events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Education:
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
• Relevant military technical school experience will be highly considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience: Entry to early-career (0–3 years).
• ESD Awareness: Basic understanding of working with static-sensitive equipment in ESD-controlled environments.
• Networking Basics: Familiarity with TCP/IP, subnets, and hardware configuration.
• Technical Literacy: Strong computer skills and ability to quickly learn specialized software and OS environments.
• Communication: Clear oral and written communication skills; ability to document technical processes accurately.
• Adaptability: Strong desire to learn new technologies and follow guidance from senior mentors.
• Mobility: Willing and able to travel frequently.
• Safety: Commitment to safe working practices and following established risk assessment protocols.
• Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• RF Foundation: Fundamental understanding of RF concepts (frequency, power, spectrum analysis) and basic familiarity with Spectrum Analyzers and multimeters.
• Defense/Government Interest: Interest in or prior experience with DoD, Government, or defense contracting environments.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret or TS clearance. An active clearance is a plus.
• Hands-on Hobbyist: Personal projects involving SDRs (Software Defined Radios), amateur radio, or electronics.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

• Standard office environment with access to engineering labs and test equipment.
• Trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events.
• Outdoor or field environments for RF demonstrations, sensor deployments, and customer trials.
• Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and environmental conditions during field tests.
• Ability to lift and transport RF equipment up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to perform bending, reaching, and kneeling movements.
• Ability to handle incoming hardware shipments of up to 50 lbs.