Electrical Engineer​/Spectrum Engineer; Microwave

Description

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks an Electrical Engineer (Spectrum Engineer) with specialized experience in Microwave frequency assignment engineering and coordination to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group at FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC.

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). This role performs engineering and coordinating frequency assignments across multiple aviation bands—with primary emphasis on Microwave bands
—and applies knowledge of RF propagation, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and NTIA/FAA spectrum-management policy.

• 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.

• Engineer microwave assignments across 932/941 MHz and other applicable bands supporting FAA communications backhaul systems.
• Support transition from legacy TruePoint microwave radios and update assignment records to comply with NTIA agreements.
• Remove decommissioned microwave links from AFM and maintain accurate representation of operational systems.
• Revalidate, reinstate, or modify microwave assignments based on coordination outcomes with NTIA and FAA stakeholders.
• Perform specialized analytics supporting urgent FAA requests (e.g., Presidential, continuity of ops) and FAA program office needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications, or equivalent technical field; completion of a formal spectrum management course or equivalent military experience in spectrum management (e.g., AFSC 3D1X4, MOS 25E) is also acceptable.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in radio frequency engineering, wireless communications, or telecommunications infrastructure, including experience with point-to-point or airport-based wireless systems.
• Working knowledge of microwave link planning, RF propagation, and interference analysis.
• Understanding of broadband wireless technologies, including those used for airport surface communications.
• Experience assessing system compatibility in congested frequency environments.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations (FSPL, link budgets, noise/interference ratios, power conversions).
• Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems used for spectrum management.
• U.S. citizenship and active Secret (or higher) clearance required.

• 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 with minimal supervision.
• Familiar with Spectrum XXI or similar federal spectrum management tools is highly desirable.