Radio Frequency Electrical Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks an Electrical Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Spectrum Engineering Services Group in Chicago.

The Spectrum Engineering Group is responsible for securing, managing, and protecting all civil aviation spectrum resources to ensure interference-free operation of FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across the National Airspace System (NAS).

The ideal candidate will have an electrical engineering degree and with some experience in Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) investigations and analysis. The engineer will conduct interference analysis using databases, logs, and historical patterns and conduct on-site investigations as needed. The engineer will work closely with regulatory bodies, engineering teams, and project managers to support spectrum-related initiatives across various projects to ensure mission-critical systems remain compliant and interference-free.

Primary Responsibilities

• Monitor and receive reports of radio frequency interference affecting the National Air Space (NAS) operations.
• Evaluate the urgency and impact of incoming RFI reports to prioritize responses.
• Conduct both desk-based and on-site Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) investigations using historical data, databases, logs, and RF analysis tools.
• Conduct RFI field investigation using equipment such as spectrum analyzers, direction finders, and portable antennas to pinpoint the sources of interference when a physical search is warranted.
• Interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve radio frequency interference issues with minimal disruption to the National Air Space (NAS) operations.
• Coordinate and communicate with system users, engineering leads, and regional frequency managers.
• Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing the interference issues, investigative methods used, findings, and resolutions implemented for review by senior management and other stakeholders as required.
• Travel required for conducting on-site RFI investigations and analysis.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field with course work in electromagnetics preferred.
• 2+ years of prior relevant experience in radio frequency (RF) engineering.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Must have a security clearance of Secret or higher or be able to meet the requirements for one
• Must be able/willing to obtain a public trust suitability before you are to start

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Spectrum Analyzers and Direction Finding (DF) equipment.
• Exposure to RF modeling, frequency assignment tools, or engineering databases.
• Experience with aeronautical maps and chart plotting.
• Ability to interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve RF interference issues affecting aviation systems.
• Ability to perform Free-Space Path Loss (FSPL) calculations, Link Budgets, dBW/dBm/Watt conversions.
• Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of spectrum management within the National Airspace System (NAS).
• Knowledge of frequency management practices, including engineering, assignment, and protection of radio frequencies, and the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) Redbook.
• Knowledge of and experience with various frequency policy organizations, including National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), and associated sub-committees, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

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Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.