RF Communication Test Engineer

RF Communications Test Engineer

Leidos' Defense Uncrewed Systems Integration and Test is seeking a motivated and ambitious RF Communications Test 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 hands-on engineer with a background in RF and digital communications who enjoys solving challenging technical problems in laboratory, field, and flight test environments. You'll work with advanced RF communications systems, develop and execute test events, analyze communications systems and waveform performance, troubleshoot complex system behavior, and collaborate closely with government stakeholders to deliver reliable, mission-ready communications capabilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop test plans, procedures, and detailed technical reports.
• Conduct laboratory, field, and flight testing, including system integration, test setup, data collection, and post-test analysis.
• Analyze and troubleshoot RF communications systems using laboratory instrumentation such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power sensors.
• Analyze communications system performance, including RF link quality, throughput, latency, packet loss, and other relevant performance metrics.
• Support integration of RF communications equipment with networking and mission systems.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to internal leadership and government customers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering field with a minimum of 4 years of experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in RF testing or communications system testing.
• Hands-on experience with RF laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power sensors.
• Experience troubleshooting RF, networking, or communications systems in laboratory, field, or flight test environments.
• Working knowledge of major RF components used in communications subsystems, including power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, transceivers, antennas, filters, duplexers/diplexers, RF switches, and related RF hardware.
• Basic understanding of RF theory, including propagation, modulation, and link budget analysis.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop technical reports and present engineering results.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in electromagnetics, RF engineering, or digital communications.
• Experience with radio testing in laboratory, field, or flight test environments.
• Experience with Common Data Link (CDL), tactical data links, or software-defined radios (SDRs).
• Knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/UDP/IP protocols, VLANs, QoS, and managed Ethernet switches and routers.
• Familiarity with network test and traffic analysis tools such as Spirent Test Center, Wireshark, iPerf, or similar tools.