Senior Electrical Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

About the role

The Spectrum Engineering Group supports the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in securing, managing, and protecting civil aviation spectrum resources to ensure interference-free operation of FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across the National Airspace System (NAS).

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of radio frequency (RF) interference affecting mission-critical communications, navigation, surveillance, or wireless systems.
• Conduct both on-site and remote RF interference investigations to identify, characterize, and resolve interference sources.
• Perform root-cause analysis of intermittent and persistent RF interference events.
• Document findings, recommend corrective actions, and verify successful mitigation of interference issues.
• 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, and 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.
• Perform radio direction finding (RDF) operations to locate unknown RF interference sources.
• Utilize directional antennas, GPS mapping, and triangulation techniques during field investigations.
• Support rapid response activities for high-priority interference events.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• US citizen.

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.

Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to detail.
• Technical expertise in RF spectrum analysis, interference mitigation, and radio direction finding.

Benefits

Details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Pay

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

Schedule

Details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.