Spectrum Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Leidos Holding • $69K — $125K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent experience in spectrum management.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in radio frequency engineering or spectrum engineering.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and possess a Secret security clearance or be eligible for one.

Responsibilities

  • Contributes to the planning and execution of FAA frequency assignments ensuring compliance with FAA Orders and the NTIA Manual.
  • Perform radio-frequency compatibility analyses using FAA's spectrum-automation tools to identify potential interferences.
  • Conduct RF propagation and link-budget analyses using specialized modeling tools.
  • Validate technical data for completeness and accuracy regarding spectrum assignments.
  • Collaborate with federal and contractor engineers to resolve technical issues in the frequency assignment process.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance options.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Employee wellness programs.
Full Job Description
Leidos' NISC IV program seeks a SpectrumEngineer to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group.

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 or other training and at least 2 years of spectrum engineering and/or radio frequency engineering experience. This role performs engineering and coordinating of frequency assignment actions for primary surveillance radar systems, air-to-ground voice communication, Land mobile radio, microwave, satellite, and various other Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Engineering disciplines while ensuring compliance with FAA Order 6050.32 and NTIA Redbook requirements.

Core Responsibilities (All Bands):
  • Contributes to the planning, coordination, and execution of FAA and non-FAA frequency assignment actions, ensuring that technical analyses and documentation conform to FAA Orders, the NTIA Manual (Redbook), and established engineering standards.
  • Perform radio-frequency compatibility analyses using the FAA's spectrum-automation and modeling tools to identify and mitigate potential interference among communications, navigation, and surveillance systems.
  • Conduct RF propagation, link-budget, EMC, and interference analyses using FAA spectrum-automation and modeling tools.
  • Validate all technical data (location, equipment, parameters, emission designator, power, bandwidth, and antenna characteristics) for completeness and accuracy.
  • Collaborates closely with other federal and contractor engineers, Service Area Spectrum Offices, and FAA program offices to resolve technical issues and advance records through the assignment and coordination process.


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or completion of a formal spectrum management course or equivalent military experience in spectrum management.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in radio frequency engineering and/or spectrum 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.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of spectrum-engineering principles, electromagnetic theory, and radio-frequency propagation as applied to communications, navigation, and surveillance systems that support the National Airspace System (NAS).
  • Experience in applying analytical and automation tools to perform frequency-assignment processing, data validation, and compatibility analysis, with attention to accuracy and completeness.
  • Experience evaluating radio-frequency system parameters to identify and mitigate potential interference and resolving routine and complex spectrum-engineering problems.
  • Familiar with Spectrum XXI or similar federal spectrum management tools is highly desirable.
  • Ability to perform engineering calculations (FSPL, link budgets, noise/interference ratios, power conversions).
  • Ability to interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve RF interference issues affecting aviation systems.
  • 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).


Original Posting:
August 21, 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 $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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