RF Systems Engineer - Satellite Ground Station & Test

Leidos; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Satellite System RF Systems Integration and Test Engineer in Gaithersburg, MD to support the WAAS program. The role includes design, testing, and integration of satellite ground station equipment, with hands-on responsibilities and occasional travel.

You will work in a small team, performing RF testing, lab maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation, while supporting 24/7 operations. The position emphasizes readiness and reliability for critical aviation infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 4–8 years of relevant experience, or 8+ years hands-on RF troubleshooting.
• Experience testing and troubleshooting RF and analog circuits and subsystems for Satellite Ground Station Equipment.
• Experience building and testing RF cables and signal cables (Ethernet, Mil‑Spec, etc.).
• Ability to interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Willingness to respond to 24/7/365 operational issues.
• Experience with RF test and measurement equipment (Spectrum/Vector Network Analyzers, Power Meters, Oscilloscopes, Signal Generators).
• Proficient with MS Office Suite and Visio.
• Occasional CONUS travel 4–5 weeks per year.
• Ability to lift/install components and climb antenna structures.

Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7/365 remote restoration support during system failures at offsite locations.
• Test and characterize RF components and subassemblies to verify performance against design requirements.
• Hands‑on design, development, integration, and testing of satellite ground station equipment.
• Travel 1–2 times per year for preventive maintenance and system upgrades.
• Assist in developing and maintaining engineering documentation and BOMs.
• Support laboratory tests: setup, calibration, data collection, and results documentation.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues and identify root causes with engineers.
• Conduct depot operations: evaluate hardware, coordinate repairs, and track status.
• Maintain lab equipment and RF test instrumentation handling.
• Develop/update block diagrams and cable drawings for the program.

Skills

RF testing

Analog circuits

Schematic interpretation

RF test equipment

24/7 on-call support

Physical lab work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

8+ years RF hands-on experience (alternative to degree)

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Power Meters

Signal Generators

Soldering tools

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Satellite System RF Systems Integration and Test Engineer in Gaithersburg, MD to support the WAAS program. The role includes design, testing, and integration of satellite ground station equipment, with hands-on responsibilities and occasional travel.

You will work in a small team, performing RF testing, lab maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation, while supporting 24/7 operations. The position emphasizes readiness and reliability for critical aviation infrastructure.