RF Data Engineer

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Job Description:

Parsons is seeking an RF Data Engineer with specialized expertise in DoD spectrum management, regulatory compliance, and data engineering to support our cutting-edge Drone Armor counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) program. This critical role requires extensive experience in military spectrum certification processes combined with advanced data science capabilities to ensure Done Armor systems operate effectively within complex electromagnetic environments while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What You'll Be Doing:

RF Spectrum Analysis & Management

• Analyze RF spectrum data to identify and characterize drone communication signatures and control frequencies
• Develop and maintain spectrum certification documentation supporting Drone Armor system deployments
• Coordinate frequency assignments and deconfliction efforts with military and civilian spectrum management authorities
• Generate technical documentation including DD Form 1494 for Drone Armor RF operations
• Conduct electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis for C-UAS operations

Data Engineering & Analytics

• Design and implement data pipelines for real-time RF signal collection, processing, and analysis from Drone Armor sensors
• Develop machine learning models to improve drone detection accuracy and reduce false alarm rates
• Create data visualization dashboards for operational monitoring and system performance assessment
• Apply advanced analytics to RF spectrum data to identify emerging drone threats and communication protocols
• Implement cloud-based data architectures for scalable storage and processing of RF sensor data

System Integration & Testing

• Support field testing and evaluation of Drone Armor systems in operational environments
• Perform frequency-dependent analysis to assess system effectiveness across various RF bands
• Collaborate with software development teams to integrate RF data processing algorithms
• Utilize spectrum databases (Spectrum XXI, JSDR, EL-CID) to support deployment planning
• Conduct Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessments (SSRAs) for Drone Armor acquisitions

Technical Documentation & Coordination

• Prepare technical reports documenting RF performance, spectrum utilization, and system capabilities
• Support Host Nation Coordination activities for international Drone Armor deployments
• Assist with Equipment Spectrum Certification processes per AR 5-12 and DoD 5000.1
• Maintain awareness of evolving drone technologies and RF communication standards

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

Education

• Master's degree in computer science, electronics engineering OR other engineering or technical discipline is required with 10 yrs of experience OR 10 years of relevant RF/data engineering experience may be substituted for education

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience with Department of Defense (DoD) spectrum management policy, certification, and documentation
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in generating DD Form 1494 and reviewing detailed spectrum certification documents
• Minimum four (4) years of experience with data engineering, data analytics, or software development

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, R, or similar for data analysis
• Experience with RF measurement equipment and spectrum analyzers
• Knowledge of wireless communication protocols and RF propagation principles
• Familiarity with DoD spectrum management policies and procedures
• Understanding of data engineering principles including ETL processes, data modeling, and database management
• Experience with cloud technology platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their application to data engineering workflows
• Understanding of data mesh architectures and data tagging methodologoies
• Familiarity with electronic phenomena principles as they relate to RF systems and spectrum management

Security & Citizenship

• SECRET security clearance is required

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

Advanced Education & Certifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline
• Professional certifications in data science, cloud computing (AWS/Azure/Google Cloud Platform), or RF engineering

Specialized Experience

• Experience with counter-drone technologies, electronic warfare, or signals intelligence (SIGINT)
• Knowledge of commercial and military drone RF signatures and communication protocols
• Experience with machine learning/AI applications for RF signal classification
• Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and development
• Knowledge of NTIA Redbook, ITU regulations, and CJCSM 3320.01

Advanced Technical Skills

• Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka) for RF data processing
• Proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for data engineering workflows
• Experience with data mesh architectures and modern data governance practices
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and DevOps practices
• Experience with real-time data streaming and edge computing applications
• Familiarity with digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and algorithms
• Experience with software coding for data interoperability between DoD spectrum management systems

Database & Tools Experience

• Experience accessing spectrum databases: Spectrum XXI, HNSWDO, JSDR, Stepstone, EL-CID
• Proficiency with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Grafana)
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and collaborative development environments

Analytical Capabilities

• Experience performing Frequency Dependent Rejection and Frequency Distance Separation Analysis
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and hypothesis testing methodologies
• Experience with electromagnetic modeling and simulation tools

Work Location:

Remote with ability and willingness to travel to Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (with potential travel to test sites and additional customer locations)

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will continue to be posted for an average of 30 days until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

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