Principal Radar Signals Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is recruiting a Radar Signals Engineer to join a mission-driven, multidisciplinary team in Chantilly, VA. You will model, simulate, and analyze target-tracking radar systems for satellites across Earth orbits, interfacing with experts in propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, and cloud computing.

You will work in a secure Government environment, present results to senior stakeholders, and contribute to high-visibility national priorities with on-site collaboration in Chantilly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 9+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 7+ years, or PhD/JD with 4+ years.
• Experience with target-tracking radar signals, waveform design, detection/tracking, or target characterization.
• Strong foundation in electrical engineering, advanced mathematics, and DSP.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze satellite-tracking radar waveforms and signal processing algorithms for detection, acquisition, tracking, and characterization.
• Perform radar and antenna performance analyses, including link budgets and tracking across LEO, MEO, GEO.
• Develop and execute modeling and simulation of radar-to-satellite engagement scenarios.
• Use Python, C++, MATLAB to implement, validate, and enhance models and data pipelines.
• Document findings and develop technical briefings for senior government stakeholders.

Skills

DSP fundamentals

Communication

Collaborative work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Physics

Master's degree in related field

PhD or JD in related field

Tools

Python

C++

MATLAB

Job description

Description

SAIC is hiring a Radar Signals Engineer to join a mission-driven, multi-disciplinary analysis team in Chantilly, VA, supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. This role focuses on modeling, simulation, and analysis of target-tracking radar systems for satellites across all Earth orbits, directly supporting high-visibility national priorities. You will work in a secure Government environment with frequent access to senior Government decision-makers and daily collaboration with experts in propulsion, radars, optics, AI/ML, cloud computing, GPUs, and more.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and analyze satellite-tracking radar waveforms and signal processing algorithms for detection, acquisition, tracking, and characterization of space targets.
• Perform radar and antenna performance analyses, including link budgets and tracking performance across LEO, MEO, & GEO.
• Develop and execute modeling and simulation of radar-to-satellite engagement scenarios, including optional radar return modeling using 3D satellite models.
• Use programming languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar tools to implement, validate, and enhance models, simulations, and data-processing pipelines.
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments of radar architectures, algorithms, and system performance, including review and validation of algorithms and results produced by external teams.
• Document findings and develop actionable technical briefings, with opportunities to present results to senior Government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field and 9+ years of relevant experience; OR

• Master’s degree in a related technical field and 7+ years of relevant experience; OR

• PhD or JD in a related field and 4+ years of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated experience with target-tracking radar signals, including waveform design, detection/tracking algorithms, or target characterization.

• Strong foundation in electrical engineering, advanced mathematics, and digital signal processing (DSP).

• Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages for modeling, simulation, and analysis of radar or signal processing problems.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team and clearly communicate complex technical concepts in written reports and oral briefings.

Clearance Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.
• Must have, or be willing and able to successfully complete, a polygraph examination as required by the customer.
• Must be willing and able to work on-site in Chantilly, VA, within a secure Government environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space domain awareness (SDA), satellite tracking, or radar systems specifically designed for space targets or long-range surveillance.
• Background in antenna design, RF/microwave engineering, or radar system architecture and performance modeling.
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics/astrodynamics and modeling satellites in LEO/MEO/GEO or other orbital regimes.
• Experience leveraging high performance computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated processing, or cloud environments for large-scale modeling and simulation.
• Prior experience supporting Government or DoD/IC customers and presenting technical findings to senior stakeholders.
• Active TS/SCI with a Polygraph

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in an office or laboratory environment within a secure facility.
• Must be able to sit or stand at a computer workstation for extended periods while performing modeling, simulation, and analysis tasks.
• Occasional movement between offices, conference rooms, and secure work areas is required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds of laptops, documents, or small equipment as needed.

2026.10.1

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.