Radio Frequency Engineer

Compensation Grade:
S21
Salary Range:
$106,262.00-$154,080.00

Opening Date:
May 15, 2026

Closing Date:
May 30, 2026
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Radio Frequency Engineer, you will ensure the Airports Authority's wireless and radio telecommunication networks align with business goals and meet service demand.

Radio Frequency Engineer

Serves in the Wireless Services and Radio Systems Division of the Technology Operations Department in the Office of Technology. May be assigned to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport.

Performs the full range of analysis, design, implementation, optimization and enhancements to wireless and radio telecommunication networks, including link budgets analysis, system design and dimensioning, coverage planning, site identification, evaluation and zoning support, frequency planning, interference analysis and mitigation. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP) communications systems engineering, design and implementation. Reviews existing and planned Radio Frequency (RF) networks; ensures compliance with licensing regulations; and performs requirements gathering, design review, change management, and final acceptance for new RF systems.

Monitors system alarms and alerts and analyzes system performance metrics to assist in frequency management, coverage/capacity planning, solution evaluation and implementation.

Conducts engineering, research and analysis of Airports Authority Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems to develop and design 'in house', 'cost-effective' solutions to address multi-trunk systems challenges and ensure mitigation of any interference.

Conducts radio frequency analysis on all Airports Authority radio and wireless systems; and participates and provides expertise in locally held FCC and Regional Frequency meetings.

Maintains radio systems, system components, radio configurations, and related documentation of all systems. Examines and analyzes radio systems capacity, coverage, reliability, defects, system anomalies and performance, utilizing test equipment such as Aeroflex Land-Mobile Radio Test Set, Bird Technologies Site Analyzers, and Motorola R2670 Spectrum Analyzers.

Ensures the Airports Authority complies with all FCC and Regional regulations. Reviews FCC Notices of Proposed Rule Making (NRPM) for impact on the Airports Authority.

Ensures Tier I, II, and III technical support for fixed network equipment (FNE) including radio frequency (RF) components, trunking controllers, dispatch consoles, network devices and subscriber units adhere to guidelines and coordinates Tier IV support with vendors.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Six years of progressively responsible experience in conventional (repeaters) and trunk systems Radio Frequency (RF) technology including, designing and testing of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) trunked digital voice and data radio systems and subsystems and deploying new radio systems in critical systems where any radio communications service disruption would adversely affect operations such as public safety. This also includes distributed antenna systems.

Comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of Radio Frequency (RF) Land Mobile Radio (LMR) trunked digital voice and data radio systems, principles, concepts, and methods and ability to analyze complex Radio Frequency (RF) technology; to review/revise/develop policy; to initiate enhancement plans; and provide technical expertise and cost analysis information.

Comprehensive knowledge in Radio Network Administration, Aeroflex Land-Mobile Radio Test Set, Bird Technologies Site Analyzers, and Motorola R2670 Spectrum Analyzers.

Knowledge of FCC technical and operational regulations pertinent to spectrum management, interference mitigation techniques, and Radio Frequency (RF) engineering.

Ability to perform detailed analyses of data and information and make recommendations.

Ability to speak and write effectively, with emphasis on communicating complex technical information so others will understand.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Radio Frequency (RF) experience in the public safety sector and/or in the transportation industry with Motorola trunked radio and conventional systems.

Certified as a Mobile Solutions Technical Associate from Motorola.

A Bachelor's degree in any field.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED)

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Must be able to work a varied schedule of days and outside normal 8am-5pm business hours for scheduled and emergency maintenance and/or upgrades and for on-call rotations.

Subject to hold-over and recall for emergencies and may need to work nights and weekends depending on operational requirements and other factors.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for accuracy, quality, quantity, timeliness, adherence to guidelines, teamwork, customer service and other factors.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.