Radar Systems Engineer

Riverside Research; North Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 115,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research, an independent National Security nonprofit, seeks a Radar Systems Engineer to analyze and modernize large radar systems at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado. You will apply system engineering practices across lifecycle phases, with emphasis on performance assessment, data analysis, and verification activities.

The role requires extensive experience with radar programs, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse teams in a dynamic defense

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, 8 years with a Master's degree, a PhD with 5 years experience in electrical engineering, physics, computer engineering, or computer science, or equivalent experience is typically required for this level.
• Radar Systems Engineering experience.
• Life Cycle Management experience.
• Familiarization with Space Surveillance, Missile Warning, and Missile Defense mission requirements.
• Technical Orders Development experience.
• Acquisition Documentation Development (SEP, LCSP, PESHE, SRD, ORD, ICD, etc.) experience.
• Source Selection support experience (PWS development, Market Research, development of bidders library, etc.).
• Experience in developing and presenting technical and programmatic briefings, presentations and papers.
• Familiarization with large Phased Array Radar systems (UEWR, PARCS, COBRA DANE, LRDR.).
• The candidate must possess an active DoD Secret Security Clearance, with eligibility to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support system and mission requirements analysis, feasibility studies, system modernization, and architecture studies.
• Provide acquisition and sustainment systems engineering support for various radar systems.
• Perform radar system and mission performance assessment, including detection, track, and object classification/discrimination performance.
• Conduct technical data analysis for a wide array of engineering problems involving large‑scale radar systems, which may include ground‑based and mobile radar platforms.
• Investigate and conduct root‑cause analysis of system and software performance anomalies. Assist with system modernization and system architecture studies.
• Provide system test support, assist with Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), algorithm prototyping, and simulation.
• Investigate and define mitigation of system and software performance anomalies.
• Manage customer relationships, develop and present briefings, technical papers and other documents, and provide recommendations in support of customer needs, and act as a technical liaison.
• Stay up‑to‑date with current technologies and technical developments.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer‑generated reports.
• Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.

Skills

Radar Systems Engineering

Life Cycle Management

Space Surveillance

Missile Defense requirements

Technical Orders Development

Acquisition Documentation

Source Selection

Technical Briefings

Phased Array Radars

Security Clearance (DoD Secret)

Job description

Radar Systems Engineer

Location: US-CO-Peterson Space Force Base

Job ID: 2026-4141

Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high‑end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is looking for a candidate to provide Radar Systems and System Engineering support for a number of national radar programs. The work will be performed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO.

Specific requirements and job assignments include, but are not limited to:

• Technical analysis of a wide variety of engineering problems involving large‑scale radar systems. These include ground‑based radar platforms that track ballistic missile and earth‑orbiting targets; performance capability assessments of radar missions from recorded event data; investigation and resolution of system and software anomalies; requirements development, and radar systems design/acquisition.
• Experience with radar systems such as COBRA DANE, PARCS, UEWR, LRDR, etc. is desired.
• Prior experience in supporting a Systems Program Office (SPO) with solid understanding of DAF Acquisition, Logistics, Sustainment, T&E, and maintenance processes is also desired.
• The ideal candidate will be self‑motivated, an independent problem solver, with excellent communication skills both written and oral. They must also enjoy learning and applying new technologies, and thrive in a dynamic, engineering‑oriented work environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support system and mission requirements analysis, feasibility studies, system modernization, and architecture studies.
• Provide acquisition and sustainment systems engineering support for various radar systems.
• Perform radar system and mission performance assessment, including detection, track, and object classification/discrimination performance.
• Conduct technical data analysis for a wide array of engineering problems involving large‑scale radar systems, which may include ground‑based and mobile radar platforms.
• Investigate and conduct root‑cause analysis of system and software performance anomalies. Assist with system modernization and system architecture studies.
• Provide system test support, assist with Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), algorithm prototyping, and simulation.
• Investigate and define mitigation of system and software performance anomalies.
• Manage customer relationships, develop and present briefings, technical papers and other documents, and provide recommendations in support of customer needs, and act as a technical liaison.
• Stay up‑to‑date with current technologies and technical developments.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer‑generated reports.
• Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.

Qualifications

Required:

• A minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, 8 years with a Master's degree, a PhD with 5 years experience in electrical engineering, physics, computer engineering, or computer science, or equivalent experience is typically required for an employee at this level.
• Radar Systems Engineering experience.
• Life Cycle Management experience.
• Familiarization with Space Surveillance, Missile Warning, and Missile Defense mission requirements.
• Technical Orders Development experience.
• Acquisition Documentation Development (SEP, LCSP, PESHE, SRD, ORD, ICD, etc.) experience.
• Source Selection support experience (PWS development, Market Research, development of bidders library, etc.).
• Experience in developing and presenting technical and programmatic briefings, presentations and papers.
• Familiarization with large Phased Array Radar systems (UEWR, PARCS, COBRA DANE, LRDR, etc.).
• The candidate must possess an active DoD Secret Security Clearance, with eligibility to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance.

Desired:

• Current TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience working in/supporting a Government Program Office; a comprehensive understanding of radar system functionality, performance limitations, and mission support requirements; and demonstrated ability preparing and presenting technical papers, summaries, briefings, or seminars for junior to senior level audiences.
• Operational experience with Missile Defense, Space Surveillance, ISR, and/or Missile Warning missions/sensors is highly desired, to include experience with COBRA DANE, UEWR, BMEWS, PAVE PAWS, PARCS or similar radar systems.

Compensation

$115,000 – 215,000. This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Legal Notice

Riverside Research Institute is a not‑for‑profit, technology‑oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action‑equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job‑related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not‑for‑profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.