Senior RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer

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

Job summary

Leidos Inc. invites applications for an RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer in Huntsville, AL.

The role supports the Defense Uncrewed Systems Integration and Test team within the S3I JSIL Technology and Certification Center, focusing on development, integration, testing, and evaluation of advanced tactical data links and communications for UAS and other platforms supporting DoD missions. Responsibilities include leading RF communications and DSP activities, developing test

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• Experience leading RF comms/test activities and analysis.
• Security clearance: active SECRET or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in RF communications, DSP, and data-link technologies.
• Develop test strategies, plans, and reports for lab, field, and flight tests.
• Plan, execute, and support RF communications system testing and data collection.
• Analyze waveform performance, RF link quality, and system effectiveness.

Skills

RF communications

Digital signal processing

Test planning

Mentoring

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CDL (Common Data Link)

SDR experience

Job description

RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer

Description

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.

Seeking a role to make an impact, this position is part of Leidos’ Defense Uncrewed Systems Integration and Test team, supporting the Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering and Integration Directorate (S3I) Joint Technology Center – Systems Integration Lab (JSIL) Technology and Certification Center. The engineer will support the development, integration, testing, and evaluation of advanced tactical data links and communications systems for UAS and other airborne and ground platforms supporting U.S. Army and DoD missions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in RF communications, digital signal processing, and tactical data link technologies.
• Develop test strategies, methodologies, plans, and procedures, and prepare technical reports for laboratory, field, and flight test activities.
• Plan, execute, and support RF communications system testing, including system integration, instrumentation, data collection, and post‑test analysis.
• Analyze waveform performance, RF link quality, resilience, detectability, vulnerabilities, and overall communications system effectiveness under operationally representative conditions.
• Perform advanced signal analysis to characterize communications system performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Interface with government stakeholders, test organizations, and industry partners to support technology development, acquisition decisions, and system integration.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to internal leadership and government customers.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and test personnel.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering field with a minimum of 8 years of experience.
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering field with a minimum of 6 years of experience.
• Experience leading technical analysis or test activities for RF communications systems.
• Strong understanding of RF theory, including propagation, modulation, synchronization, and link budget analysis.
• Strong understanding of digital communications concepts, including modulation, coding, filtering, synchronization, waveform design, and signal processing.
• Experience troubleshooting RF, networking, or communications systems in laboratory, field, or flight test environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop technical reports, briefings, and present engineering recommendations.
• Must be a U.S. citizen possessing and maintaining an active SECRET security clearance.
• Must be a resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. with an emphasis in electromagnetics, RF engineering, digital communications, or signal processing.
• Experience with Common Data Link (CDL), tactical data links, software‑defined radios (SDRs), SATCOM, or resilient communications.
• Experience supporting electronic warfare (EW), spectrum operations, or anti‑jam (AJ) and low probability of detection (LPD) assessments.
• Top Secret eligibility preferred.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $107,900.00 – $195,050.00

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. 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.

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.