RF/ Spectrum Engineer

Shape the Future of Aviation Safety. Our client is seeking a Sr. Principal RF/Spectrum Systems Engineer to support Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) engineering for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this high-impact role, you will lead the research, testing, evaluation, and spectrum analysis of cutting-edge UAS detection and mitigation technologies in active airport environments. This position uniquely bridges hands-on RF engineering, advanced systems analysis, and national policy development—directly influencing future FAA Advisory Circulars and aviation safety standards.

Responsibilities

• RF & Radar Engineering
  • Lead radar testing across L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka frequency bands using FMCW, pulse Doppler, and other waveforms (including Phased Array antenna technologies).
  • Lead testing of mitigation devices operating in other frequency bands (VHF/UHF/Microwave).
  • Conduct precise RF measurements (power, gain, EIRP, spectrum occupancy) and evaluate electromagnetic compatibility (EM/EMC) for spectral compliance.
  • Perform near-field and far-field antenna range measurements in controlled or operational environments.
• CUAS Research, Testing & Evaluation (RD/T&E)
  • Conduct rigorous spectrum interference testing at active airports prior to CUAS deployment.
  • Develop, execute, and oversee detailed test plans, test cards, and structured evaluation frameworks.
  • Manage vendor systems during deployment, troubleshooting, data collection, and teardown.
  • Establish selection criteria for UAS platforms used in evaluations, alongside performance metrics and pass/fail criteria.
  • Document all RD/T&E activities to contribute to FAA guidance on the selection, procurement, deployment, and management of CUAS systems as well as RF-specific measurement equipment.
• Systems Engineering & Strategic Policy
  • Conduct thorough RF hazard analyses and safety assessments prior to open-air testing.
  • Translate complex RD/T&E data into performance specification frameworks using modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to shape FAA Advisory Circulars.
  • Utilize technical data tools to model and analyze spectrum environments and system capabilities.
  • Create multi-airport CUAS operational recommendations and best practices aligned with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical (preferred) or other technical discipline. Non-U.S. degrees must be ABET accredited.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in RF, radar, or spectrum management.
• Proven experience using spectrum analyzers and other equipment to test, evaluate and characterize complex RF devices and environments for FCC/NTIA compliance.
• Demonstrated success in conducting open-air RF/spectrum data collection.
• Ability to evaluate the functional capabilities of complex technologies with minimal supervision.
• Highly collaborative with strong technical writing and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences with teams including other disciplines.
• Ability to independently plan and deliver projects with high-quality, on-time results.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs. during field deployments.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Suitability clearance and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
• Must be a W-2 employee that can obtain FAA clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience developing or executing structured test plans for aviation or defense technologies.
• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, JMP, or advanced Excel).
• Familiarity with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles or airport operations.

Skills

• RF engineering
• Spectrum analysis and management
• Data collection and analysis (MATLAB, Python)
• RF testing and evaluation
• Radar systems (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka bands)
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EM/EMC)
• Technical writing and presentation

Additional Role Details

• 70% of the role is hands-on RF spectrum analysis; 30% is documentation and reporting.
• This is primarily a testing/evaluation role, not design/development.
• RF tools and equipment used: Spectrum analyzers (Keysight Fieldfox), RF power sensors, broadband/directional antennas, data analysis/post-processing tools.
• Types of RF data collection and spectrum interference testing: Baseline spectrum characterization, noise floor measurements, RF emissions measurements, interference analysis.
• Relevant frequency bands: 30 MHz to 30 GHz, specific to frequency bands used in NAS operations and UAS command and control.
• Radar experience is beneficial but not an absolute requirement; strong RF fundamentals and measurement theory are essential.
• CUAS technologies currently being evaluated: Passive RF detection, radar, EO/IR, various RF-based mitigation technologies.
• Previous FAA, DoD, DHS, or federal aviation experience is preferred but not required.
• Understanding of FCC and NTIA compliance is critical for spectrum management and regulatory considerations.
• Test and evaluation data may support FAA guidance, advisory circulars, and engineering briefs, but the engineer will not draft these documents directly.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $62.65 - $62.65/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Egg Harbor City, NJ.