RF/Radio Communications Engineer (Multiple Levels)

Responsibilities

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) Program Office is leading the modernization of the United States National Airspace System (NAS) by developing and deploying next-generation communication systems that integrate advanced voice, data, and radio frequency (RF) technologies.

BNATCS is focused on delivering a unified, secure, and high-reliability communication architecture for air traffic control (ATC) operations nationwide. This includes integrating both wired and wireless communication paths-covering everything from air-to-ground radio links and radar transmissions to modern digital and IP-based data exchange-ensuring seamless propagation, interoperability, and operational continuity across the NAS.

The BNATCS Program Office manages the full system lifecycle-from research and requirements development through acquisition, testing, and deployment-of communication technologies that utilize the electromagnetic spectrum for safe and efficient air traffic management.

Position Overview

The RF/Radio Communications Engineer will support the FAA BNATCS Program by providing expert-level knowledge in radio frequency theory, spectrum management, and propagation analysis for all systems that emit, transmit, or receive RF energy. This includes ATC radio systems, radar and navigation aids, aircraft and ground communication systems, cellular and Wi-Fi technologies, and emerging digital and broadband RF-based systems.

This role will involve engineering design, modeling, and analysis of RF communications to ensure optimal system performance, minimal interference, and compliance with national and international frequency use regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of how RF energy propagates through the atmosphere under varying environmental and operational conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in RF communications and electromagnetic propagation as it relates to FAA BNATCS system development and integration.

• Conduct RF analysis, modeling, and simulation to assess communication performance, coverage, interference, and frequency utilization.

• Support the design, evaluation, and testing of radio-based ATC communication systems, including air-to-ground, ground-to-ground, and inter-facility links.

• Evaluate signal propagation characteristics across the frequency spectrum, from low-frequency radio through microwave and millimeter-wave bands.

• Contribute to system requirements development, interface definition, and architecture planning for RF and data communication systems within BNATCS.

• Analyze RF link budgets, power requirements, antenna characteristics, and network configurations to optimize performance and reliability.

• Support spectrum planning, allocation, and interference mitigation in accordance with FAA, FCC, and international regulatory frameworks.

• Provide expertise in RF hardware and system integration, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and supporting infrastructure.

• Develop and review technical documentation, test plans, engineering reports, and design verification materials.

• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure coexistence of multiple RF systems, such as radio, radar, cellular, and Wi-Fi, without mutual interference.

• Support safety and risk assessments to ensure that RF communication systems meet NAS operational and reliability requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Strong background in RF engineering, communications theory, and electromagnetic propagation.
• Experience with radio communication systems such as VHF/UHF transceivers, microwave links, cellular, Wi-Fi, or radar transmit/receive systems.

• Knowledge of RF spectrum management, frequency coordination, and interference mitigation techniques.

• Proficiency with RF modeling and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, HFSS, STK, CST, or equivalent).

• Understanding of antenna design, placement, and pattern analysis.

• Familiarity with analog and digital modulation schemes, signal processing, and link budget development.

• Working knowledge of FAA or aviation communication systems highly desirable.

• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, or related field (Master's preferred).

• U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident (3+ years U.S. residency)

Required Education and years

Level I

• 0-4 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).

Substitution: High school degree and 4-8 years would qualify

Salary Range: $65,200 - $101,950

Level II

• 5-9 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).

Substitution:

• Masters degree with 3-7 years of experience would qualify

• PHD degree with 0-4 years of experience would qualify

• Highschool degree with 9-13 years total.

Salary Range:$71,800 - $112,150

Level III

• 10-15 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).

Substitution:

• Masters degree with 8-13 years of experience would qualify

• PHD degree with 5-10 years of experience would qualify

• Highschool degree with 14-19 years would qualify

Salary Range: $95,500 - $149,200

Level IV

• 16+ years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).

Substitution:

• Masters degree with 14+ years of experience would qualify

• PHD degree with 11+ years of experience would qualify

• Highschool degree with 20+ years would qualify.

Salary Range: $115,500 - $180,525

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in air traffic control (ATC) communications or aviation RF systems.
• Knowledge of VoIP-based ATC voice/data integration.

• Familiarity with CIP and RTP communication protocols.

• Experience in NAS or FAA engineering environments.

• Understanding of environmental and atmospheric effects on RF propagation.

• Practical experience with RF test and measurement equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators.

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI, and Noblis MSD tackle the nation's toughest problems and apply advanced solutions to our clients' most critical missions. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors. Learn more at Noblis -About Us

Why work at a Noblis company?

Our employees find greater meaning in their work and balance the other things in life that matter to them. Our people are our greatest asset. They are exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, team-oriented, and mission-driven individuals who want to do work that matters and benefits the public. Noblis has won numerous workplace awards. Noblis maintains a drug-free workplace.

*Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work

Total Rewards

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

USD $65,200.00 - USD $180,525.00 /Yr.