RF Electrical Engineer

Leidos; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in San Diego seeks an experienced RF Electrical Engineer to design, model, and validate electromagnetic technologies for space missions. You will work across RF antennas, metamaterials, and compact payloads, balancing analytical and hands-on lab activities.

You will prototype antenna characterization, integrate electronics, run tests in laboratory environments, and document results to support internal R&D and programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field with 8+ years of experience, or a Master's with 6+ years.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Experience with RF antenna modeling, simulation, or analysis.
• Familiarity with RF aperture performance metrics (Rx/Tx gain, EIRP, radiation efficiency).
• Experience in a laboratory environment, including anechoic chamber testing or characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and validate electromagnetic technologies operating across the RF spectrum.
• Contribute to RF antenna modeling and performance analysis; assist with design trades and system-level evaluations.
• Support development of compact, high-performance payloads and prototype antenna characterization.
• Prototype antenna characterization, electronics integration, testing, and component/system characterization.
• Evaluate and mature emerging RF technologies (RF metamaterials, electrically small antennas); document results for internal R&D and programs.

Skills

RF antenna modeling

RF simulation

Laboratory testing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Secret clearance

RF testbeds

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics

Master's degree in a related field

Doctorate in a technical domain

Tools

COMSOL

CST Microwave Studio

Job description

RF Electrical Engineer

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking experienced RF Electrical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced RF technologies for next-generation space missions.

The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of electromagnetic technologies operating across the radio frequency spectrum. You will contribute to RF antenna modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations based on laboratory measurements, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.

You will also play a hands‑on role in laboratory activities, including prototype antenna characterization, electronics integration, testing, and characterization of components and systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross‑functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging RF technologies—such as RF metamaterials and electrically small antennas—analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.

This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and is motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience, or a Masters Degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in the technical domain.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• Experience with RF antenna modeling, simulation, or analysis
• Familiarity with RF aperture performance metrics such as Rx/Tx antenna gain, effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), radiation efficiency, noise characteristics
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including anechoic chamber testing or characterization
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)
• Hands‑on experience with building RF testbeds for characterizing RF technologies
• Experience with antenna design tools such as COMSOL, CST Microwave Studio, or equivalent
• Exposure to advanced RF technologies such as RF metamaterial antennas, space‑time modulation, or electrically small antennas

Why Leidos?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large‑scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.