Senior RF Engineer – Aviation Spectrum & Interference

Leidos Inc; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 107,900 - 195,050; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Inc. is seeking an Electrical RF Engineer to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group. The role focuses on investigating RF interference affecting CNS systems across the NAS and supporting mitigation through on-site and remote field activities.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in RF engineering, spectrum management, and interference mitigation, with hands-on experience using RF test equipment and RDF/DF techniques. Travel to field sites will be required as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in RF engineering, spectrum management, interference mitigation, or wireless communications.
• Experience conducting RF interference investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Proficiency using RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, monitoring receivers, signal generators, and RF power meters.
• Experience with radio direction finding equipment and techniques.
• Understanding of RF propagation, antenna theory, modulation methods, and EMI.
• Ability to analyze technical data and prepare detailed engineering reports.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel for field investigations as required.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in field and office environments.
• Experience working in fast-paced operational environments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be a US citizen.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of RF interference affecting mission-critical communications, navigation, surveillance, or wireless systems.
• Perform both on-site and remote RF interference investigations to identify, characterize, and resolve interference sources.
• Conduct root-cause analysis of intermittent and persistent RF interference events.
• Document findings, recommend corrective actions, and verify successful mitigation of interference issues.
• Operate spectrum analyzers, monitoring receivers, and related RF test equipment to identify interfering emissions.
• Measure and analyze frequency, bandwidth, spectrum occupancy, modulation, power levels, harmonics, and spurious emissions.
• Evaluate RF propagation characteristics, signal strength, noise floor, and overall spectrum utilization.
• Interpret RF measurements and prepare technical reports for engineering and operational stakeholders.
• Perform radio direction finding (RDF/DF) operations to locate unknown RF interference sources.
• Utilize directional antennas, GPS mapping, and triangulation techniques during field investigations.
• Conduct drive testing and field measurements to accurately pinpoint interference locations.
• Support rapid response activities for high-priority interference events.

Skills

Strong troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Willingness to travel

U.S. citizen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Monitoring receivers

Signal generators

RF power meters

Radio direction finding equipment

Job description

Leidos Inc. is seeking an Electrical RF Engineer to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group. The role focuses on investigating RF interference affecting CNS systems across the NAS and supporting mitigation through on-site and remote field activities.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in RF engineering, spectrum management, and interference mitigation, with hands-on experience using RF test equipment and RDF/DF techniques. Travel to field sites will be required as needed.