Lead Spectrum Engineer: RF, Radar & Spectrum Analysis

MITRE; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 156,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE seeks a technically strong Lead Spectrum Engineer to provide leadership and hands‑on engineering for critical weather and environmental sensing missions. The role focuses on spectrum compatibility, RF systems, and radar expertise, including band studies in 2.7‑2.9 GHz.

The engineer will guide workstreams, assess interference and system performance, and engage government stakeholders with clear, evidence‑based findings. On‑site work 4 days a week is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience in spectrum engineering, RF systems engineering, radar engineering, electromagnetic compatibility, wireless systems, or a closely related technical field.
• Spectrum engineering: demonstrated experience performing spectrum compatibility, interference, coexistence, or related RF analyses involving spectrum‑dependent systems.
• RF technical depth: strong understanding of RF systems, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, propagation, link budgets, interference mechanisms, and radar or communications systems.
• Modeling & analysis: proficiency performing RF propagation and interference analyses using MATLAB, Python, or comparable engineering tools.

Responsibilities

• Spectrum Band Studies & Compatibility Analysis: Lead spectrum band studies with focus on 2.7‑2.9 GHz; model propagation and interference scenarios.
• Hands‑on Spectrum Engineering: Conduct RF propagation, link‑budget, interference, coexistence, and statistical analyses using MATLAB and Python.
• Spectrum‑Dependent System Acquisition: Support acquisition and modernization lifecycle of spectrum‑dependent systems; contribute to requirements and design reviews.
• Weather & Radar Systems Engineering: Apply RF and radar expertise to weather systems and assess impact of interference and spectrum constraints.
• Technical Workstream Leadership: Lead technical workstreams, coordinate tasks, review results, and manage risks with reproducible evidence.
• Sponsor & Interagency Engagement: Present results to government stakeholders and communicate tradeoffs and mission implications.
• Documentation & Mentoring: Produce technical reports and mentor junior engineers through collaboration.

Skills

Spectrum engineering

RF systems engineering

Radar engineering

Electromagnetic compatibility

Wireless systems

Modeling & analysis

Communication skills

Technical leadership

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Communications Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a highly related technical discipline

MS or PhD in electrical engineering, math, or physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

MITRE seeks a technically strong Lead Spectrum Engineer to provide leadership and hands‑on engineering for critical weather and environmental sensing missions. The role focuses on spectrum compatibility, RF systems, and radar expertise, including band studies in 2.7‑2.9 GHz.

The engineer will guide workstreams, assess interference and system performance, and engage government stakeholders with clear, evidence‑based findings. On‑site work 4 days a week is expected.