Junior Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer/Spectrum Engineer

Leidos

Posted 11 days ago

Full Time

Washington, District of Columbia

Hybrid

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The engineer will conduct RF spectrum compatibility and interference analyses for C-UAS systems to ensure the safety of the National Airspace System. They will also evaluate operational requests, develop mitigation recommendations, and prepare technical documentation for stakeholders.

Qualifications

You have a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related technical discipline, along with at least one year of experience in RF/spectrum engineering. You are proficient in using RF/spectrum engineering tools and possess strong analytical and communication skills to assess impacts and recommend solutions.

Must Have Skills for ATS

RF spectrum compatibility analysis

Interference analysis

RF propagation

Geospatial analysis

Frequency deconfliction

RF modeling and simulation

Technical Compatibility and Analysis Tool (TCAT)

Government Master File (GMF)

Automatic Frequency Manager (AFM)

DoD Secret security clearance

Job Description

Leidos’ NISC IV program is seeking a Junior Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer/Spectrum Engineer to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group (AJW-194) in the area of National Defense and Electronic Attack.


The ideal candidate will have an educational background in radio frequency (RF) engineering/ spectrum engineering with coursework and an interest in EMI/EMC and interference analysis, RF propagation/modeling, and/or geospatial analysis. The engineer will provide technical engineering and spectrum management support to evaluate Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) test, training, and operational activities for potential impacts to the National Airspace System (NAS). Prior C-UAS experience is desirable but not required.


This is a hybrid position requiring regular on-site presence 3 days in Washington, D.C. to access a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) to perform work involving classified information and 2 days remote work.


Core Responsibilities:


• Conduct RF spectrum compatibility and interference analyses of C-UAS detection and mitigation systems, including frequency deconfliction, RF propagation, and geospatial analysis, to identify potential impacts to FAA and National Airspace System (NAS) communications, navigation, surveillance, and other safety-critical systems.

• Evaluate C-UAS test, training, and operational requests submitted by FAA and interagency partners, review technical parameters for completeness, determine required engineering analyses, and provide technical support for FAA C-UAS testing and evaluation activities.

• Assess NAS impacts and develop mitigation recommendations using RF modeling and simulation tools, spectrum databases, geographic information, aeronautical charts, and other engineering data. Identify appropriate technical controls such as frequency, power, geographic, or operational restrictions necessary to protect FAA/NAS systems.

• Prepare and process Special Temporary Authorization (STA) requests using the Automatic Frequency Manager system to support temporary C-UAS spectrum operations.

• Utilize RF spectrum engineering tools and databases, including the Technical Compatibility and Analysis Tool (TCAT) and Government Master File (GMF), to perform circle searches, transmitter/receiver analyses, Desired-to-Undesired (D/U) signal ratio calculations, and other RF compatibility assessments.

• Prepare technical reports, white papers, briefings, and engineering documentation communicating analysis results, spectrum impacts, mitigation recommendations, and other technical information to technical and non-technical stakeholders.


Basic Qualifications:


• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or closely related technical discipline.

• 1+ years of relevant experience in RF/spectrum engineering, EMI/EMC and interference analysis, RF propagation/modeling, geospatial analysis, frequency coordination, or spectrum management.

• Experience or knowledge on reviewing and interpreting RF technical specifications and engineering data, including frequencies, bandwidths, power levels, antenna and emission characteristics, receiver characteristics, and geographic operating parameters.

• Ability to perform technical analysis to identify potential RF interference, spectrum compatibility, or frequency deconfliction issues between systems operating within the same or adjacent frequency bands.

• Experience using RF/spectrum engineering, modeling and simulation, propagation analysis, GIS/geospatial, or other technical analysis tools.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical information and develop technically supportable recommendations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical information to engineering, program management, government, and other stakeholders.

• Must be a U.S. citizenship and possess and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance or able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.


Preferred but Not Required:


• Experience with RF spectrum management, spectrum compatibility analysis, frequency assignment/coordination, or spectrum certification in a federal government, military, aviation, telecommunications, or similar environment.

• Knowledge or experience with Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), electronic warfare, radar, RF detection systems, or RF-based mitigation technologies.

• Familiarity with FAA National Airspace System (NAS) infrastructure and Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems.

• Knowledge of federal spectrum management regulations, policies, and processes, including NTIA and FCC requirements, the NTIA Manual and frequency assignment and protection practices.

• Experience using federal spectrum management databases or systems such as the Government Master File (GMF), Automatic Frequency Manager (AFM), or similar frequency management databases and tools.

• Experience using aeronautical charts, GIS, or other geospatial information to evaluate potential RF, operational, or aviation impacts.

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:

October 23, 2026

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:

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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.

Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government & 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 $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
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