RF​/Radar Systems Engineer Sr. Principal

Job Qualifications

• Research Development
• Scientific Technical Writing
• Spectral Analysis
• Spectrum Analyzers

RF Systems Engineer Sr. Principal

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has an exciting opportunity for a Systems Engineer Sr. Principal to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the research of Counter Unmanned Aviation Systems (CUAS). This research includes both detection systems (Passive, Radar, EO/IR cameras, and other technologies) and mitigation systems (Actives transmitters, “net captures”, and associated technologies). The candidate must have a thorough and in‑depth understanding of spectrum analyzers and emitter systems, and will document and present spectrum analysis on the systems under test for the preparation and guidance to FAA for use at airports.

• Strong knowledge of radar systems
• Perform radar systems testing and validation across multiple frequency bands (e.g., L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka) and various waveforms (FMCW, pulse‑Doppler, phased array, etc.)
• Conduct RF measurements: power, gain, EIRP, spectrum occupancy, and EM/EMC compliance against manufacturers’ claims to validate that it meets FAA spectrum requirements for an airport environment.
• Experience with antenna range measurements, near field and far field.
• Support GDIT program with UAS detection and mitigation technology/system research, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts.
• Support development of ‘performance specifications’ framework for UAS detection and mitigation technology with the objective of creating Advisory Circulars or other FAA guidance and policy documents.
• Perform systems modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Prepare and execute test plans and test cards.
• Support planning and coordination efforts in preparation for deployment, testing, and evaluation of UAS detection and mitigation technologies/systems.
• Perform and document a hazard analysis and other safety‑related analyses prior to conducting UAS testing/evaluations.
• Perform and document spectrum interference testing at each airport prior to UAS testing/evaluation.
• Develop a methodology and ranking criteria for selecting UAS platforms for testing against UAS detection and mitigation technologies/systems.
• Assist vendors with deploying, operating, maintaining, monitoring, troubleshooting, collecting data, and removing UAS detection and mitigation technologies/systems.
• Review, analyze, and report on the data collected during the test and evaluation period.
• Develop pass/fail criteria and metrics for testing each of the UAS detection and technologies tested.
• Support fully documenting all UAS detection and mitigation technology/system RDT&E performed.
• Continually review and analyze data and help prepare draft engineering brief/advisory circular language or other guidance documents describing the performance specifications, selection, procurement, deployment, and management of UAS detection and mitigation technologies/systems in the airport environment.
• Prepare guidance for best practices to manage effective use of UAS detection and mitigation technologies/systems to secure the airport and ensure fundamental principles of safety risk management are followed through longitudinal operations at multiple airports.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in operations research, computer science, engineering, mathematics, information systems, management science, aviation, aeronautical, or air traffic management/science. A Master’s, MBA, or PhD may substitute for a bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience.
• Required Experience:
  
  Minimum 10‑plus years of demonstrated relevant experience.
• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid U.S. passport.

• Research techniques, creating plans, cost estimation, risk management, data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience using spectrum analyzers to characterize and illustrate spectrum environments, and to determine compliance with FCC and/or NTIA regulations.
• Experience collecting open‑air RF/spectrum data.
• Security Clearance Level: FAA Suitability.
• Basic understanding of evaluating functional capabilities of a system or technology.
• Ability to…