RF Systems Engineer Sr. Principal

SYSTEMS ENGINEER SR PRINCIPAL

GDIT is seeking a Sr. Principal RF/Spectrum Systems Engineer to support Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) engineering for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this high-impact role, you will lead the research, testing, evaluation, and spectrum analysis of cutting-edge UAS detection and mitigation technologies in active airport environments.

This position uniquely bridges hands-on RF engineering, advanced systems analysis, and national policy development—directly influencing future FAA Advisory Circulars and aviation safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

RF & Radar Engineering

• Lead radar testing across L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka frequency bands using FMCW, pulse Doppler, and other waveforms (including Phased Array antenna technologies).
• Lead testing of mitigation devices operating in other frequency bands (VHF/UHF/Microwave).
• Conduct precise RF measurements (power, gain, EIRP, spectrum occupancy) and evaluate electromagnetic compatibility (EM/EMC) for spectral compliance.
• Perform near-field and far-field antenna range measurements in controlled or operational environments.

CUAS Research, Testing & Evaluation (RD/T&E)

• Conduct rigorous spectrum interference testing at active airports prior to CUAS deployment.
• Develop, execute, and oversee detailed test plans, test cards, and structured evaluation frameworks.
• Manage vendor systems during deployment, troubleshooting, data collection, and teardown.
• Establish selection criteria for UAS platforms used in evaluations, alongside performance metrics and pass/fail criteria.
• Document all RD/T&E activities to contribute to FAA guidance on the selection, procurement, deployment, and management of CUAS systems as well as RF-specific measurement equipment.

Systems Engineering & Strategic Policy

• Conduct thorough RF hazard analyses and safety assessments prior to open-air testing.
• Translate complex RD/T&E data into performance specification frameworks using modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to shape FAA Advisory Circulars.
• Utilize technical data tools to model and analyze spectrum environments and system capabilities.
• Create multi-airport CUAS operational recommendations and best practices aligned with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical (preferred) or other technical discipline. Non-U.S. degrees must be ABET accredited.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in RF, radar, or spectrum management.
• Proven experience using spectrum analyzers and other equipment to test, evaluate and characterize complex RF devices and environments for FCC/NTIA compliance.
• Demonstrated success in conducting open-air RF/spectrum data collection.
• Ability to evaluate the functional capabilities of complex technologies with minimal supervision.
• Highly collaborative with strong technical writing and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences with teams including other disciplines.
• Ability to independently plan and deliver projects with high-quality, on-time results.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs. during field deployments.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Suitability clearance and maintain a valid U.S. passport.

Preferred:

• Direct experience developing or executing structured test plans for aviation or defense technologies.
• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, JMP, or advanced Excel).
• Familiarity with FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) principles or airport operations.