University of Missouri-Kansas City Hiring for Engineer II, UMKC Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy, at Kansas City, MO  Full Time

Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) is seeking an Engineer to support research and development activities that span pulsed power, directed energy, and computer science. Experience in solid-state switching technologies, pulse forming networks, pulsed power electronics, computational electromagnetics, high-voltage and RF circuit design/layout architecture, and standalone/arrayed antenna design is a plus. This position requires a solid foundation in electromagnetic, power electronics theory and application. Hands-on experience is vital and required.

The ideal team member will demonstrate:

* a passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems;

* a hands-on, pragmatic problem solving approach for mission-critical applied research;

* the ability to operate in agile and dynamic working environments as a core team player and independent individual;

* creativity and versatility in designing, prototyping, and validating pulse power solutions for complex electrical and computational problems;

* a curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn new skills, methods, systems, and technologies;

* effective verbal and written communication skills to inform and guide team-members; and,

* excellent organizational skills to prioritize and execute on both long-term and short parallel assignments.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

* Work with the on R&D projects to develop and evaluate technologies to while acting as a pathfinder for resolving extreme technical challenges.

* Executing, assisting, and mentoring students and staff in multiple R&D efforts:

o Simulation and design of pulsed power, RF, and directed energy components and systems;

o Mitigation techniques for high power EMC;

o Packaging, mounting and integration of RF components within a system;

o Communications, controls, and data acquisition of system and system components;

o Modeling, simulation, and visualization of electromagnetic systems and phenomenon;

o Developing innovative antennas, waveguides, transmission lines, and related test/evaluation components; and

o Authoring support documentation.

* Documenting progress and status including, but not limited to, technical reports and briefings as required.

* Work and communicate well within one or more teams.

* Strong communication, both verbal and written, and organizational/time-management skills.

* Interface with multiple engineering and non-engineering cross-functional team members.

* Generate and justify application driven requirements and illuminate tradeoffs to balance the mechanical, electrical, thermal and radiofrequency needs of the system, including regulated compliance(s).

* Analyze, design for and measure RF systems/antenna dynamic range, noise figure, attenuation, intermodulation, antenna noise temperature G/T and EIRP calculations.

* Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF systems design and theory.

* At least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

* Ability to acquire and maintain a United States security clearance.

* Master’s degree in engineering or related field with at least 2 years of engineering experience.

* 3+ years of RF Systems Engineering experience with similar projects as listed below:

o RF/Microwave: Simulation/modeling, circuit layout, passive circuits, amplifiers, material characterization.

o Antenna Design: Radiating Elements, reflectors, feedhorns, simulation and layout, antenna test.

o RF Materials/Systems: Radomes, metamaterials/frequency selective surfaces, shielding textiles, RF surrogates/phantoms.

* Strong academic background that includes courses in: Microwave Engineering, Electromagnetic Theory and Radar Systems.

* Knowledge/experience in high peak-power RF design (~UHF thru X-band, or higher).

* Experience with platform-conformal antenna techniques.

* Design of single/multi-band low profile antennas, waveguides, transmission lines, and baluns.

* Knowledge and ability to use design and simulation software such as ANSYS-HFSS, FEKO, COMSOL, 3DS-Antenna Magnus, EagleCAD, Altium, and LTspice.

* Antenna characterization, including near-field, far-field, and compact-range based methods.

* Experience testing to MIL-STD and other recognized standards requirements.

* Custom design of microwave components such as transitions, polarizers, duplexers, and filters.

* Experience in meta-materials, frequency-selective surfaces, and/or reflect-arrays.

* Leadership, project management professional and team training/certifications.

* Existing Secret clearance or ability to obtain an interim Secret clearance prior to start date.

* Professional Engineering license.

Teaching, mentoring and coaching experience for all ages, disciplines.

Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

UMKC offers a competitive salary, affordable medical and dental plans, 403(b) savings plan, and University paid long-term disability and life insurance benefits. Full benefit details may be found at:

Applicants must combine all application materials (cover letter, resume, and list of five references with contact information) into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment.

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).

If you are experiencing technical problems, please call (800) 488-5288.

Note, you must provide a description of job duties for each Work Experience entry on your application. Please carefully review the application instructions section of our Careers page prior to submitting your materials.

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

Full time, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm or comparable. As a results-orientated organization, we support flexible schedules. Expect occasional travel for research collaborations, conference attendance, and offsite briefings.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.