Lead Integration & Test Engineer

Job Description We are seeking a Senior Integration & Test (I&T) Lead Engineer to direct the functional and performance verification of advanced radar front-ends and digital back-ends.

This position requires deep technical expertise in antenna theory, RF propagation, electromagnetic performance, and system-level antenna integration. The selected candidate will lead all antenna-focused integration and test activities, ensure compliance with contractual and military performance requirements and drive antenna systems performance from prototype through production and deployment. This role requires a deep understanding of radar waveforms, RF chain analysis, and the DoD's rigorous verification and validation (V&V) standards.

This Senior I&T Lead will function as the program's subject matter expert (SME) for antenna performance, test methodology, and RF validation.

Key Responsibilities

* Serve as the technical lead for the RF integration between phased array apertures and digital receiver/exciter (DREX)

* Execute the end-to-end integration and synchronization of the phased array aperture with the digital receiver/exciter

* Lead performance verification of high-speed data throughput, phase-stable performance across all operating modes, and proper signal chain alignment

* Define and execute test plans for critical radar metrics and own verification of antenna and radar RF performance including gain, radiation patterns, sidelobe levels, beam steering accuracy, polarization, bandwidth, and system sensitivity

* Evaluate antenna to DREX interface performance including signal integrity, phase coherence, timing synchronization, calibration, and dynamic range

* Support integration of digital beamforming and waveform generation capabilities with antenna array performance

* Develop and approve antenna and RF test strategies, including chamber testing, near-field/far-field measurements, and system-level radar validation

* Direct execution of RF performance testing using advanced instrumentation (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generators, phased-array test systems, compact range facilities)

* Lead troubleshooting efforts involving antenna performance degradation, DREX signal distortion, EMI/EMC interactions, or integration anomalies

* Correlate measured antenna and radar performance data with EM and system-level simulation models

* Ensure compliance with applicable MIL-STD environmental and EMI/EMC requirements (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461)

* Provide technical leadership during program milestones such as PDR, CDR, & TRR

* Interface directly with government stakeholders regarding antenna and DREX performance, risk mitigation, and technical readiness

* Mentor junior RF, antenna, and integration engineers

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline (Master's preferred with focus in Electromagnetics, RF systems, or Signal Processing)

* 8+ years of experience in antenna engineering, radar systems, RF integration, or system-level test

* Demonstrated experience integrating antenna arrays with DREX or similar digital radar front-end architectures

* Strong understanding of radar signal chains including waveform generation, receive path processing, phase control, and calibration

* Hands-on experience conducting antenna and radar measurements in anechoic chamber or controlled test environments

* Proficiency operating RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meters, array test systems)

* Experience supporting DOD or government radar programs

* Must be able to obtain a Secret clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

* Experience with phased arrays, AESA systems, and digital beamforming architectures

* Experience supporting airborne, naval, or ground-based radar platforms

* Familiarity with calibration techniques for phased array and DREX-based systems

* Experience evaluating phase noise, spurious emissions, and signal integrity in digital RF architectures

* Experience briefing radar system performance to government customers.

* Deep technical authority in antenna-to-radar signal chain integration

* Strong understanding of both electromagnetic performance and digital RF processing

* Advanced troubleshooting capability across RF and digital domains

* Systems-level mindset bridging antenna hardware and digital receiver/exciter architectures

* Excellent communication skills

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

Please note:

This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits:

At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health,…