Lead Radar Engineer

Leidos Holding$154K — $278K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related STEM discipline with 12+ years of experience; or a Master's degree with 10+ years of experience.
  • Significant engineering experience with complex radar or RF sensor systems involving radar system design, RF systems, signal processing, and performance analysis.
  • Proven capability in diagnosing complex radar system performance issues through structured engineering analysis and root-cause analysis.
  • Experience in systems engineering, including requirements analysis, design, integration, test, and transition to operations.
  • Experience developing and executing engineering test plans and acceptance criteria for operational systems.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to engineers and stakeholders at all levels.
  • Must possess or be eligible for a Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the subject matter expert for RTR radar operations, giving technical guidance on troubleshooting and modernization.
  • Analyze radar performance data to identify issues and leverage opportunities for enhancement.
  • Lead troubleshooting and root-cause issues of radar systems, including hardware and software problems.
  • Ensure radar systems meet performance, calibration, and operational availability requirements.
  • Conduct post-mission analysis to evaluate radar system performance and derive lessons learned.
  • Evaluate radar system reliability and identify improvement actions to enhance mission readiness.
  • Support radar modernization studies and ensure disciplined management of technical baselines.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Paid time off and paid holidays.
  • Tuition reimbursement programs for ongoing education.
  • Opportunities for career development and advancement.
Full Job Description

The Defense Sector is seeking a highly qualifiedLead Radar Engineerto support the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) Reagan Test Range (RTR) Operations, Sustainment, Improvement, and Engineering (ROSIE) program.

RTR is a Department of Defense Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) supporting two primary mission areas: Space Operations and Test and Evaluation of DoD weapons systems, including offensive and defensive missiles, hypersonic systems, and space testing. RTR missions are executed from Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the RTR Operations CenterHuntsville (ROC-H), using sophisticated radar, telemetry, optical, command-and-control, and mission systems.

Position Overview

The Lead Radar Engineer will serve as a senior technical authority for the operation, sustainment, performance, modernization, integration, and mission readiness of RTR radar instrumentation. The successful candidate will combine deep radar engineering expertise with hands-on problem solving and technical leadership to ensure RTR radar systems deliver the accuracy, availability, reliability, and data quality required for missile test and space operations.

The Lead Radar Engineer will work across operations, maintenance, systems engineering, hardware and software engineering, mission planning, data analysis, cybersecurity, and Improvements & Modernization (I&M) teams to resolve complex radar problems and transition improvements into the operational baseline. The position requires an engineer who can move comfortably betweenmission performance, radar phenomenology and data, hardware/software troubleshooting, systems engineering, sustainment, and modernization.

This position is contingent upon contract award to Leidos.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Serve as the programlead radar engineering subject matter expert, providing technical leadership for RTR radar operations, sustainment, troubleshooting, modernization, integration, and test.

  • Analyze radar performance and mission data to identify performance degradation, anomalous behavior, emerging technical issues, and opportunities to improve radar capability, availability, reliability, maintainability, and data quality.

  • Lead technical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex radar hardware, software, RF, signal-processing, timing, control, instrumentation, and system-interface problems; develop and drive corrective actions through verification and closure.

  • Ensure radar systems meet required mission performance, calibration, accuracy, sensitivity, and operational availability requirements and provide the technical analysis necessary to substantiate system readiness.

  • Evaluate radar metric, imaging, and signature data and support mission Quick Look analysis, post-mission assessment, lessons learned, and identification of radar performance issues and corrective actions. ROSIE requires post-mission analysis of instrumentation performance and Quick Look data products.

  • Analyze radar reliability, availability, and maintainability performance, including MTBF, MTTR, operational availability, recurring failures, and performance trends; identify and implement actions that improve mission readiness. The PWS establishes operational-availability measurement and requires at least 95% availability for designated Space Operations instrumentation and 99% for mandatory sensors during test mission windows.

  • Lead or support radar Improvements & Modernization studies, engineering projects, and instrumentation modifications from requirements definition through design, integration, verification, validation, acceptance testing, and operational deployment.

  • Maintain radar technical baselines through disciplined configuration management and ensure modifications to radar hardware, software, firmware, interfaces, and documentation are properly evaluated, tested, documented, and approved prior to incorporation into the operational baseline.

  • Identify technical risks before they affect mission execution and develop measurable mitigation and contingency approaches.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline with 12+ years of relevant experience; or a Masters degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.

  • Significant engineering experience with complex radar or RF sensor systems, including demonstrated experience in several of the following areas: radar system design and analysis, RF systems, transmitters/receivers, antennas, radar signal processing, waveform processing, tracking, imaging, calibration, radar cross section/signature measurements, instrumentation, or radar performance analysis.

  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex radar-system performance problems using engineering analysis, system data, test equipment, modeling/simulation, and structured root-cause analysis.

  • Demonstrated systems engineering experience encompassing requirements analysis, design, integration, verification, validation, test, and transition of engineered capabilities into an operational environment.

  • Experience developing and executing engineering test plans, procedures, technical reviews, and acceptance criteria.

  • Experience with configuration-controlled operational systems and formal engineering change processes.

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical issues, risks, alternatives, and recommendations clearly to engineers, program leadership, customers, and senior Government stakeholders.

  • Ability to travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations as required.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance required for assigned duties.

Desired Qualifications

  • Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.

  • Direct engineering experience withALTAIR, TRADEX, ALCOR, MMW, or other RTR/KREMS instrumentation.

  • Experience with high-power instrumentation radars, phased-array radars, wideband imaging radars, missile-defense radars, space-surveillance radars, or comparable advanced DoD radar systems.

  • Experience with radar detection and tracking, discrimination, target characterization, wideband imaging, metric data, RCS/signature analysis, signal processing, or radar calibration.

  • Experience developing or evaluating radar algorithms, signal-processing techniques, simulations, or automated sensor-performance analysis.

  • Experience with digital engineering and MBSE tools and methodologies.

  • Experience modernizing legacy radar or sensor systems while maintaining operational availability and mission continuity.

  • ActiveTop Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.



Original Posting:
September 15, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

Join the Team

Leidos Holding is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Leidos Holding looks for driven, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Positions are available across various disciplines and experience levels.

Stay Connected

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news from Leidos Holding. Subscribe to receive updates and be the first to know about new job opportunities, company developments, and more.

Prepare for Your Interview

To prepare for an interview at Leidos Holding, candidates should familiarize themselves with the company's missions and values, update their resumes, and be ready to discuss how their background and skills align with the position they are applying for.

Networking and Career Advancement

Leidos Holding encourages its employees to engage in networking within the company to discover new opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team at Leidos Holding is dedicated to supporting employees in their career paths with ample opportunities for networking and growth.

Explore Leidos Holding Jobs and Careers

Discover the exciting career opportunities at Leidos Holding today. With a commitment to employee growth, innovation, and diversity, Leidos Holding is the perfect place to advance your career. Check out the latest job listings and find your perfect fit at Leidos Holding.

SEARCH LEIDOS HOLDING JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Leidos Holding. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await in your professional journey.
Learn more about Leidos Holding

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Leidos Holding

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Lead Radar Engineer jobs: