RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer

Location: Huntsville, AL

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

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.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos’ Defense RF Systems UAS Portfolio is seeking a RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer to join our team supporting the development, testing, and evaluation of advanced datalink and communications systems for tactical and airborne platforms.

You’ll apply your expertise in RF systems, digital signal processing, and communications theory to conduct performance testing in lab, field, and flight environments. Your work will directly support Department of Defense (DoD) customers by providing in-depth performance and vulnerability assessments of advanced datalink waveforms.

As a technical subject matter expert (SME), you’ll also collaborate closely with government stakeholders to inform product development, shape acquisition strategies, and guide technology transitions.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in RF signal processing and communications with a focus on tactical datalink systems (e.g., CDL, SATCOM, LOS/BLOS).
• Plan, execute, and support datalink testing activities in lab settings, as well as field and flight test operations.
• Support the development of test plans, procedures, and technical reports.
• Analyze and assess waveform performance, resilience, detectability, and vulnerabilities in operationally relevant scenarios.
• Interface with government stakeholders, test teams, and integration partners to ensure test objectives and system requirements are met.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree and 8 – 12 years of prior relevant experience or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related STEM field from an accredited institution with 6-10 years of applicable experience in RF signal processing, communications or Electronic Warfare (EW).
• Solid understanding of RF theory, including propagation, schematics, RF testing, and link budget analysis, with emphasis on over-the-air signal detection.
• Proficiency in core signal processing concepts, including Fourier transforms, filtering, noise modeling, and signal modeling.
• Strong understanding of digital modulation techniques, coding, synchronization, and waveform design.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in MATLAB (object-oriented preferred) or similar tools.
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop detailed technical reports and briefings.
• Experience with radio testing in lab and field environments, including flight tests.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a Secret clearance (Top Secret eligibility preferred).
• Must be a resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree with an emphasis in electromagnetic theory.
• Experience with spread spectrum techniques and concepts.
• Familiarity with signal detection techniques, including energy and feature-based detection.
• Knowledge of advanced signal analysis techniques such as cyclic autocorrelation and cepstral analysis.
• Experience with EW testing.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

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.