RF Electrical Engineer

Leidos • San Diego, CA

19h

About The Position

Leidos Defense is seeking an RF Electrical Engineer to join the Emerging Space Systems Division, focusing on developing advanced RF technologies for future space missions. This role involves supporting the design, modeling, and experimental validation of electromagnetic technologies across the radio frequency spectrum. You will contribute to RF antenna modeling, performance analysis, design trades, and system-level evaluations. The position also includes hands-on laboratory work such as prototype antenna characterization, electronics integration, and testing. You will collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to evaluate and mature emerging RF technologies, analyze experimental data, and document findings for internal R&D and program efforts. This role requires a blend of analytical and experimental skills, with comfort in both simulation and laboratory environments.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience, or a Masters Degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in the technical domain.
• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Experience with RF antenna modeling, simulation, or analysis.
• Familiarity with RF aperture performance metrics such as Rx/Tx antenna gain, effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), radiation efficiency, noise characteristics.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including anechoic chamber testing or characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI).
• Hands-on experience with building RF testbeds for characterizing RF technologies.
• Experience with antenna design tools such as COMSOL, CST Microwave Studio, or equivalent.
• Exposure to advanced RF technologies such as RF metamaterial antennas, space-time modulation, or electrically small antennas.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of electromagnetic technologies operating across the radio frequency spectrum.
• Contribute to RF antenna modeling and performance analysis.
• Assist with design trades and system-level evaluations based on laboratory measurements.
• Support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.
• Perform laboratory activities, including prototype antenna characterization, electronics integration, testing, and characterization of components and systems.
• Evaluate and mature emerging RF technologies such as RF metamaterials and electrically small antennas.
• Analyze experimental data to inform design decisions.
• Document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.

Benefits

• Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees