Senior RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer

RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer

Leidos' Defense Uncrewed Systems Integration and Test is seeking a motivated and ambitious RF Signal Processing & Communications Engineer join the Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering and Integration Directorate (S3I) Joint Technology Center – Systems Integration Lab (JSIL) Technology and Certification Center. In this role, you'll support the development, integration, testing, and evaluation of advanced tactical data links and communications systems for UAS and other airborne and ground platforms supporting U.S. Army and DoD missions.

The ideal candidate is a technical leader with deep expertise in RF communications, digital signal processing, and waveform analysis who enjoys solving complex technical challenges in laboratory, field, and flight test environments. You'll lead advanced test and analysis efforts, evaluate communications system and waveform performance, assess resilience and vulnerabilities, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and government stakeholders to deliver mission-ready capabilities and inform future system development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in RF communications, digital signal processing, and tactical data link technologies.
• Develop test strategies, methodologies, plans, and procedures, and prepare technical reports for laboratory, field, and flight test activities.
• Plan, execute, and support RF communications system testing, including system integration, instrumentation, data collection, and post-test analysis.
• Analyze waveform performance, RF link quality, resilience, detectability, vulnerabilities, and overall communications system effectiveness under operationally representative conditions.
• Perform advanced signal analysis to characterize communications system performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Interface with government stakeholders, test organizations, and industry partners to support technology development, acquisition decisions, and system integration.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to internal leadership and government customers.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and test personnel.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering field with a minimum of 8 years of experience.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering field with a minimum of 6 years of experience.
• Experience leading technical analysis or test activities for RF communications systems.
• Strong understanding of RF theory, including propagation, modulation, synchronization, and link budget analysis.
• Strong understanding of digital communications concepts, including modulation, coding, filtering, synchronization, waveform design, and signal processing.
• Experience troubleshooting RF, networking, or communications systems in laboratory, field, or flight test environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop technical reports, briefings, and present engineering recommendations.
• Must be a US citizen possess and maintain an active SECRET security clearance.
• Must be a resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. with an emphasis in electromagnetics, RF engineering, digital communications, or signal processing.
• Experience with Common Data Link (CDL), tactical data links, software-defined radios (SDRs), SATCOM, or resilient communications.
• Experience supporting electronic warfare (EW), spectrum operations, or anti-jam (AJ) and low probability of detection (LPD) assessments.
• (Top Secret eligibility preferred).