Electrical Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks an Electrical Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Spectrum Engineering Services Group in Chicago, Illinois. 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).

About the role

The ideal candidate will have an electrical engineering degree and at least 2 years of experience in Radio Frequency Spectrum Analysis, interference mitigation, radio direction finding, and field investigations using industry-standard test equipment. The engineer will conduct interference analysis using databases, logs, and historical patterns and perform on-site investigations as needed. The engineer will work closely with regulatory bodies, engineering teams, and project managers to support spectrum-related initiatives across various projects to ensure mission-critical systems remain compliant and interference-free. This position is in-office in Chicago, IL with up to 50% travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and receive reports of radio frequency interference affecting the National Air Space (NAS) operations.
• Evaluate the urgency and impact of incoming RFI reports to prioritize responses.
• Conduct both remote and on-site Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) investigations using historical data, databases, logs, and RF analysis tools.
• Perform RFI field investigations using equipment such as spectrum analyzers, direction finders, and portable antennas to pinpoint sources of interference when a physical search is warranted.
• Interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve radio frequency interference issues with minimal disruption to NAS operations.
• Coordinate and communicate with system users, engineering leads, and regional frequency managers.
• Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing interference issues, investigative methods, findings, and resolutions for review by senior management and other stakeholders.
• Travel required for conducting on-site RFI investigations and analysis within any of the 17 states in the Central Service Area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field with coursework in electromagnetics preferred.
• 2+ years of prior relevant experience in radio frequency (RF) engineering.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain.
• Must be a US citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Spectrum Analyzers and Direction Finding (DF) equipment.
• Exposure to RF modeling, frequency assignment tools, or engineering databases.
• Experience with aeronautical maps and chart plotting.
• Ability to interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve RF interference issues affecting aviation systems.
• Ability to perform Free-Space Path Loss (FSPL) calculations, Link Budgets, dBW/dBm/Watt conversions.
• Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of spectrum management within the National Airspace System (NAS).
• Knowledge of frequency management practices, including engineering, assignment, and protection of radio frequencies, and the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) Redbook.
• Knowledge of and experience with various frequency policy organizations, including NTIA, Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), and associated sub-committees, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Pay

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.

Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.