Senior Radio Frequency Engineer

MKS2 Technologies; Egg Harbor Township (NJ); On-site; USD 68,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS2 Technologies is seeking a Sr. Principal RF/Spectrum Systems Engineer to lead RF, radar, and spectrum analysis for CUAS in support of FAA initiatives. The role combines hands-on testing with systems analysis and policy influence in active airport environments.

The candidate will drive test plans, data collection, and evaluation frameworks, collaborating across disciplines to shape FAA guidance and safety standards, with an emphasis on open-air RF measurements and operational readiness.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in RF, radar, or spectrum management.
• Proven experience using spectrum analyzers and equipment to test and characterize RF devices for FCC/NTIA compliance.
• Demonstrated success in open-air RF/spectrum data collection.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF testing across multiple frequency bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka) and various waveforms.
• Test mitigation devices across VHF/UHF/Microwave bands and assess EMC.
• Perform RF measurements (power, gain, EIRP, spectrum occupancy) and regulatory compliance checks.
• Coordinate open-air testing plans, data collection, and vendor management during deployment.

Skills

RF engineering

Spectrum analysis

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Project planning

Collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical/Aerospace/Systems/Mechanical

ABET accreditation for non-US degrees (preferred)

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

MATLAB

Python

JMP

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Pay Rate: $60.09 per hr. during initial six-month contract term. Negotiable upon conversion.

Location: 100% on-site - Egg Harbor Township, NJ

We are seeking a Sr. Principal RF/Spectrum Systems Engineer to support Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) engineering for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this high-impact role, you will lead the research, testing, evaluation, and spectrum analysis of cutting-edge UAS detection and mitigation technologies in active airport environments.

This position uniquely bridges hands-on RF engineering, advanced systems analysis, and national policy development—directly influencing future FAA Advisory Circulars and aviation safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead radar testing across L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka frequency bands using FMCW, pulse Doppler, and other waveforms (including Phased Array antenna technologies).
• Lead testing of mitigation devices operating in other frequency bands (VHF/UHF/Microwave).
• Conduct precise RF measurements (power, gain, EIRP, spectrum occupancy) and evaluate electromagnetic compatibility (EM/EMC) for spectral compliance.
• Perform near-field and far-field antenna range measurements in controlled or operational environments.

CUAS Research, Testing & Evaluation (RD/T&E)

• Conduct rigorous spectrum interference testing at active airports prior to CUAS deployment.
• Develop, execute, and oversee detailed test plans, test cards, and structured evaluation frameworks.
• Manage vendor systems during deployment, troubleshooting, data collection, and teardown.
• Establish selection criteria for UAS platforms used in evaluations, alongside performance metrics and pass/fail criteria.
• Document all RD/T&E activities to contribute to FAA guidance on the selection, procurement, deployment, and management of CUAS systems as well as RF-specific measurement equipment.

Systems Engineering & Strategic Policy

• Conduct thorough RF hazard analyses and safety assessments prior to open-air testing.
• Translate complex RD/T&E data into performance specification frameworks using modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to shape FAA Advisory Circulars.
• Utilize technical data tools to model and analyze spectrum environments and system capabilities.
• Create multi-airport CUAS operational recommendations and best practices aligned with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical (preferred) or other technical discipline. Non-U.S. degrees must be ABET accredited.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in RF, radar, or spectrum management.
• Proven experience using spectrum analyzers and other equipment to test, evaluate and characterize complex RF devices and environments for FCC/NTIA compliance.
• Demonstrated success in conducting open-air RF/spectrum data collection.
• Ability to evaluate the functional capabilities of complex technologies with minimal supervision.
• Highly collaborative with strong technical writing and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences with teams including other disciplines.
• Ability to independently plan and deliver projects with high-quality, on-time results.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs. during field deployments.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Suitability clearance and maintain a valid U.S. passport.

Preferred

• Direct experience developing or executing structured test plans for aviation or defense technologies.
• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, JMP, or advanced Excel).
• Familiarity with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles or airport operations.