Senior Principal Radar Signals Engineer

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Radar Signals Engineer in Chantilly, VA to lead modeling, simulation, and analysis of satellite-tracking radar systems across Earth orbits. You will work with propulsion, optics, AI/ML, cloud, GPUs, and astrodynamics experts to deliver actionable insights for national programs.

You will design radar signals and antennas, run trade studies, and present briefings to senior government customers. On-site in a classified environment is required.

Qualifications

• Experience with target-tracking radar signals, including signal design and DSP for detection, tracking, and characterization.
• Strong foundation in electrical engineering, advanced mathematics, and DSP.
• Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages for modeling, simulation, and analysis of radar or RF systems.
• Proven experience conducting independent analyses and documenting results in technical reports or briefings.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and communicate complex topics to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze satellite-tracking radar signals, waveforms, and signal processing algorithms for detection, acquisition, tracking, and characterization of space objects.
• Perform antenna design and analysis, including performance modeling and trade studies for radar system effectiveness against targets in LEO, MEO, and GEO.
• Develop and apply modeling and simulation tools to evaluate end-to-end radar performance and mission concepts using HPC resources.
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments, and review/validate analyses from internal and external teams.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to simulate mission operations concepts at scale and provide integrated insights.
• Develop and present clear, technically rigorous briefings to senior Government customers and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Radar signal processing

DSP

Python/C++/MATLAB

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field

Master’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience

PhD (or JD with directly relevant technical experience) and 9+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Description

SAIC is hiring a Senior Principal Radar Signals Engineer to join a mission-driven analysis team in Chantilly, VA supporting multiple satellite programs at the forefront of national innovation. This team is advancing novel satellite missions that directly support national priorities, operating within a highly engaged Government environment with frequent access to senior Government decision-makers. The engineer will lead modeling, simulation, and analysis of satellite-tracking radar systems for satellites in a wide range of Earth orbits, collaborating with experts in propulsion, optics, AI/ML, cloud, GPUs, and astrodynamics.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and analyze satellite-tracking radar signals, waveforms, and signal processing algorithms to support detection, acquisition, tracking, and characterization of space objects.
• Perform antenna design and analysis, including performance modeling and trade studies, to optimize radar system effectiveness against satellite targets in LEO, MEO, & GEO
• Develop and apply modeling and simulation tools to evaluate end-to-end radar performance and mission concepts, leveraging Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar tools and high-performance computing resources.
• Conduct independent trade studies and technical assessments, and review/validate algorithms, models, and analysis results from internal and external teams.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team (astrodynamics, optical sensing, AI/ML, cloud/HPC) to simulate mission operations concepts at scale and provide integrated, actionable insights to customers.
• Develop and present clear, technically rigorous briefings and recommendations to senior Government customers and internal stakeholders.
• (Optional) Perform radar return modeling using 3D satellite models to support characterization and concept-of-operations analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field and 14+ years of relevant experience;

  • OR Master’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience;

  • OR PhD (or JD with directly relevant technical experience) and 9+ years of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated experience with target-tracking radar signals, including signal design and digital signal processing for detection, tracking, and 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 RF systems.

• Proven experience conducting independent technical analyses, trade studies, and assessments, and documenting results in technical reports or briefings.

• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment, and to communicate complex technical topics clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Polygraph.

• Must be willing and able to work onsite in Chantilly, VA in a classified environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with space domain awareness (SDA), space surveillance, or satellite-tracking radar systems.

• Background in antenna design, phased arrays, or RF front-end architectures for radar systems.

• Experience modeling radar performance against satellites in varied orbital regimes, including consideration of clutter, interference, and environmental effects.

• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments, GPU-based processing, or cloud-based modeling and simulation workflows.

• Experience working directly with senior Government customers, including preparing and delivering technical presentations and recommendations.

• Prior experience in a lead, principal, or subject-matter-expert role, including mentoring junior engineers or analysts.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in an office, laboratory, or classified facility environment.

• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods, including frequent use of standard office and IT equipment.

• Occasional walking, standing, and movement between offices, conference rooms, and secure areas.

• Ability to participate in on-site meetings and briefings, which may require extended periods of sitting and focus

2026.10.1

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.