Senior RF Communications & Signal Processing Engineer

About the role

Leidos' Defense Uncrewed Systems Integration and Test is seeking a Senior RF Communications & Signal Processing Engineer for its Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering and Integration Directorate (S3I) Joint Technology Center - Systems Integration Lab Technology and Certification Center. The role supports the development, integration, testing and evaluation of advanced tactical data links and communications systems for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other airborne and ground platforms supporting U.S. Army and DoD missions. It is a hands-on, multidisciplinary position spanning laboratory analysis, system integration, field and flight testing.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in RF communications, digital signal processing and tactical data link technologies.
• Develop test strategies, plans and procedures, and prepare technical reports for laboratory, field and flight tests.
• Plan, execute and support RF communications system testing, including system integration, instrumentation, data collection and post-test analysis.
• Analyze waveform performance, RF link quality, communications resilience, signal detectability and overall system effectiveness under operationally representative conditions.
• Perform advanced signal analysis to characterize system performance and identify improvements.
• 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 stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and test personnel.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field with at least 8 years of experience, or a Master's degree with at least 6 years of experience.
• Experience leading technical analysis or test activities for RF communications systems.
• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to maintain it (Top Secret eligibility preferred).
• Resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate there.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of RF theory, including propagation, RF system performance and link budget analysis.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, including modulation, coding, filtering, waveform design and signal processing.
• Experience troubleshooting RF or communications systems in laboratory, field or flight test environments.
• Preferred: Master's or Ph.D. in electromagnetics, RF engineering, digital communications or signal processing, and experience with CDL, SDRs, SATCOM, EW, spectrum operations or anti-jam assessments.