Senior RF Engineer

Description

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks an Electrical Engineer/ Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Spectrum Engineering Services Group. The Spectrum Engineering Group is responsible for securing, managing, and protecting all civil aviation spectrum resources to ensure interference-free operation of FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across the National Airspace System (NAS). The candidate will be responsible for supporting the investigation, analysis, and resolution of radio frequency (RF) interference affecting critical communications, navigation, and surveillance systems. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in RF spectrum analysis, interference mitigation, radio direction finding, and field investigations using industry-standard test equipment.

Primary Responsibilities

RF Interference Investigation

• Investigate reports of radio frequency interference (RFI) affecting mission-critical communications, navigation, surveillance, or wireless systems.
• Perform both on-site and remote RF interference investigations to identify, characterize, and resolve interference sources.
• Conduct root-cause analysis of intermittent and persistent RF interference events.
• Document findings, recommend corrective actions, and verify successful mitigation of interference issues.

Spectrum Analysis

• Operate spectrum analyzers, monitoring receivers, and related RF test equipment to identify interfering emissions.
  • Measure and analyze:
  • Frequency
  • Bandwidth
  • Occupied spectrum
  • Modulation characteristics
  • Power levels
  • Harmonics
  • Spurious emissions
• Evaluate RF propagation characteristics, signal strength, noise floor, and overall spectrum utilization.
• Interpret RF measurements and prepare technical reports for engineering and operational stakeholders.

Radio Direction Finding (RDF)

• Perform radio direction finding (RDF/DF) operations to locate unknown RF interference sources.
• Utilize directional antennas, GPS mapping, and triangulation techniques during field investigations.
• Conduct drive testing and field measurements to accurately pinpoint interference locations.
• Support rapid response activities for high-priority interference events.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in RF engineering, spectrum management, interference mitigation, or wireless communications.
• Experience conducting RF interference investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Proficiency using RF test equipment, including:
  • Spectrum analyzers
  • Monitoring receivers
  • Signal generators
  • RF power meters
• Experience with radio direction finding equipment and techniques.
• Understanding of RF propagation, antenna theory, modulation methods, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Ability to analyze technical data and prepare detailed engineering reports.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel for field investigations as required.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in field and office environments.
• Experience working in fast-paced operational environments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be a US citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aviation, public safety, defense, telecommunications, or government communications systems.
• Familiarity with FCC, NTIA, or international spectrum regulations.
• Experience with spectrum monitoring software and GIS/GPS mapping applications.
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, microwave, satellite, LTE/5G, or land mobile radio (LMR) technologies.
• Security clearance or ability to obtain one (if applicable).

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit .

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at .

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.