RF Electrical Engineer

Leidos•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an RF Electrical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced RF technologies for next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing. In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of electromagnetic technologies operating across the radio frequency spectrum. You will contribute to RF antenna modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations based on laboratory measurements, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads. You will also play a hands-on role in laboratory activities, including prototype antenna characterization, electronics integration, testing, and characterization of components and systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging RF technologies—such as RF metamaterials and electrically small antennas—analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts. This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and is motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.

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.
Play a hands-on role in 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.