Principal RF and Spectrum Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

$173K — $259K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience with Bachelor's; 8+ years with Master's; PhD with 5+ years; or equivalent experience and education.
  • Degrees in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Communications Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
  • Hands-on experience in wireless testing, spectrum management, or RF systems engineering.
  • Deep knowledge of military and commercial spectrum-dependent wireless systems, including radio systems and radar.
  • Proficient in planning formal test methodologies and data analysis using MATLAB or Python.
  • Strong communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Eligibility for a Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as NOAA's primary technical representative for band studies.
  • Provide strategic direction for government band study initiatives.
  • Analyze electromagnetic spectrum requirements and advise on system integration.
  • Develop system-level engineering models and algorithms using MATLAB or Python.
  • Design and execute formal testing methodologies and conduct experiments.
  • Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative engineering environment.
  • Liaise with industry stakeholders to stay updated on telecom developments.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on high-impact government projects in spectrum management.
  • Engagement with a multi-disciplinary team focused on public interest.
  • Possibility for mentorship and career development in a leadership role.
  • Involvement in cutting-edge research and emerging wireless technologies.
Full Job Description
MITRE is seeking a strong Spectrum/RF engineer who can function as a technical lead for spectrum-related research and test activities supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in RF systems, antennas, communications, radar, waveforms, and spectrum-dependent technologies, combined with a strong background in test and evaluation.

In this position, you will directly support NOAA on upcoming spectrum band studies, assessing the ability of systems like the NEXRAD radars to operate in various study scenarios as directed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the NTIA band study plans. In this role, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working in the public interest to expand access to spectrum for industry while protecting critical government missions.

Roles & Responsibilities:
  • NOAA Representation: Serve as a primary technical representative for NOAA, interfacing directly with stakeholders executing the band studies.
  • Strategic Technical Leadership: Provide strategic direction across the Commerce work program on the band studies to help the government move fast with engineering rigor.
  • Deep Technical Consulting: Analyze complex electromagnetic spectrum requirements and research emerging wireless technologies to advise sponsors on system integration and strategic impacts.
  • Hands-on Modeling & Prototyping: Utilize programming environments such as MATLAB or Python to develop system-level engineering models, prototype sensor algorithms, and analyze complex signal processing data.
  • Test Design & Execution: Architect formal test methodologies, participate in physical data collections, conduct lab experiments, and guide advanced test facility operations.
  • Mentorship & Collaboration: Foster collaborative engineering environments and quickly develop the technical and professional skills of junior staff through dedicated mentoring.
  • Industry Liaison: Liaise with industry to maintain understanding of technical developments in telecom that will shape the future of spectrum coexistence.


Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
  • Bachelor's degree, Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Communications Engineering, Physics, or a highly related technical discipline.
  • Experience heavily rooted in hands-on wireless testing, spectrum management, or RF/sensor systems engineering.
  • Demonstrated deep technical expertise across military and commercial spectrum-dependent wireless systems, including radio systems, waveforms, MILSATCOM, cellular, and radar systems.
  • Proven proficiency planning and conducting formal test methodologies, including hands-on data analysis using MATLAB or Python.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and briefing skills with a verified ability to communicate granular technical concepts simply and concisely to both engineering teams and non-technical project leadership.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
  • This position requires a minimum of 3 days a week on-site.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Communications Engineering, Physics, or a highly related technical discipline.
  • Active Secret security clearance.


This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$173,200 - $216,500 - $259,800 Annual

Work Location Type:
Onsite

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