RF/ Spectrum Engineer

Description

Shape the Future of Aviation Safety. Our client is seeking a Sr. Principal RF/Spectrum Systems Engineer to support Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) engineering for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this high-impact role, you will lead the research, testing, evaluation, and spectrum analysis of cutting-edge UAS detection and mitigation technologies in active airport environments. This position uniquely bridges hands-on RF engineering, advanced systems analysis, and national policy development-directly influencing future FAA Advisory Circulars and aviation safety standards. Key Responsibilities RF & Radar Engineering o Lead radar testing across L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka frequency bands using FMCW, pulse Doppler, and other waveforms (including Phased Array antenna technologies). o Lead testing of mitigation devices operating in other frequency bands (VHF/UHF/Microwave). o Conduct precise RF measurements (power, gain, EIRP, spectrum occupancy) and evaluate electromagnetic compatibility (EM/EMC) for spectral compliance. o Perform near-field and far-field antenna range measurements in controlled or operational environments. CUAS Research, Testing & Evaluation (RD/T&E) o Conduct rigorous spectrum interference testing at active airports prior to CUAS deployment. o Develop, execute, and oversee detailed test plans, test cards, and structured evaluation frameworks. o Manage vendor systems during deployment, troubleshooting, data collection, and teardown. o Establish selection criteria for UAS platforms used in evaluations, alongside performance metrics and pass/fail criteria. o Document all RD/T&E activities to contribute to FAA guidance on the selection, procurement, deployment, and management of CUAS systems as well as RF-specific measurement equipment. Systems Engineering & Strategic Policy o Conduct thorough RF hazard analyses and safety assessments prior to open-air testing. o Translate complex RD/T&E data into performance specification frameworks using modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to shape FAA Advisory Circulars. o Utilize technical data tools to model and analyze spectrum environments and system capabilities. o Create multi-airport CUAS operational recommendations and best practices aligned with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles. Qualifications Required: o Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical (preferred) or other technical discipline. Non-U.S. degrees must be ABET accredited. o 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in RF, radar, or spectrum management. o Proven experience using spectrum analyzers and other equipment to test, evaluate and characterize complex RF devices and environments for FCC/NTIA compliance. o Demonstrated success in conducting open-air RF/spectrum data collection. o Ability to evaluate the functional capabilities of complex technologies with minimal supervision. o Highly collaborative with strong technical writing and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences with teams including other disciplines. o Ability to independently plan and deliver projects with high-quality, on-time results. o Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. o Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs. during field deployments. o Ability to obtain an FAA Suitability clearance and maintain a valid U.S. passport. Preferred: o Direct experience developing or executing structured test plans for aviation or defense technologies. o Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, JMP, or advanced Excel). o Familiarity with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles or airport operations.

Skills

rf engineering, Spectrum, data collection, MATLAB, Python

Top Skills Details

rf engineering,Spectrum,data collection,MATLAB,Python

Additional Skills & Qualifications
How much of the role is hands-on RF spectrum analysis versus documentation and reporting? 70% hands on Is this primarily a testing/evaluation role or a design/development role? Test/eval What RF tools and equipment are being used today? Spectrum analyzers (Keysight Fieldfox), RF power sensors, broadband/directional antennas, data analysis/post processing tools What types of RF data collection and spectrum interference testing are being conducted? Baseline spectrum characterization, noise floor measurements, RF emissions measurements, interference analysis What frequency bands are most relevant to the program? Spectrum characterization and measurements from 30 MHz to 30 GHz, specific to frequency bands used in NAS operations and UAS command and control How much experience with radar systems is required versus other detection technologies? Radar experience would be beneficial and valuable but not an absolute requirement, as we work with various detection technologies, but strong RF fundamentals and knowledge of measurement theory and systems analysis would translate to any type of technology being evaluated Which CUAS technologies are currently being evaluated? Passive RF detection, radar, EO/IR, various RF-based mitigation technologies How important is previous FAA, DoD, DHS, or federal aviation experience? Preferred but definitely not an absolute requirement Can you elaborate on the FCC and NTIA compliance responsibilities? Understanding of spectrum management and regulatory considerations of RF systems that transmit or affect authorized bands is critical Will this engineer be helping draft FAA guidance, Advisory Circulars, or Engineering Briefs directly? Test and evaluation / technical analysis of RF systems may be used to support FAA guidance, advisory circulars and engineering briefs but the engineer will not be creating the documentation directly.

Experience Level

Expert Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Egg Harbor City, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $62.65 - $62.65/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Egg Harbor City,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.