RF Electrical Engineer

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

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an experienced RF Electrical Engineer to design, model, and validate advanced RF technologies for space missions. You will work across the RF spectrum, contribute to antenna modeling, and support system‑level evaluations in a collaborative lab environment.

The role blends analysis and hands‑on testing, including prototype antenna characterization and electronics integration. A strong background in RF design tools and readiness to obtain security clearances is required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, modeling, and experimental validation of RF technologies for space missions
• Contribute to RF antenna modeling and system-level evaluations using lab measurements
• Prototype antenna characterization and electronics integration in the lab
• Document results to support internal R&D and program efforts
• Balance analytical work with hands-on laboratory activities across simulation and hardware domains

Skills

RF antenna modeling

Simulation & analysis

Laboratory testing

Anechoic chamber

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Engineering or Physics

Master's degree preferred

Tools

COMSOL

CST Microwave Studio

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

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.

Original Posting:

August 31, 2026

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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

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.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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.