Electrical Engineer/Spectrum Engineer (UAS)
Waldorf, MD, United States
- Engineering
- Full-time
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Spectrum Engineering
- FAA Spectrum Management
The position involves supporting the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group by managing and protecting spectrum resources critical to aviation communications, navigation, and surveillance, with a focus on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Responsibilities include spectrum assignment coordination, interference risk analysis, propagation modeling, and regulatory compliance for UAS command-and-control and data links. The role requires electrical engineering expertise, knowledge of RF propagation, spectrum management, and familiarity with FAA and international spectrum regulations to ensure safe integration of expanding UAS operations.
Description
Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks an Electrical Engineer (Spectrum Engineer) with specialized experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group (AJW-19) at FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC.
The Spectrum Engineering Group is responsible for securing, managing, and protecting all civil aviation spectrum resources to ensure interference-free operation of FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across the National Airspace System (NAS). As Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations expand, the FAA requires engineers who understand the unique RF characteristics, propagation considerations, and regulatory frameworks associated with UAS command-and-control (C2/CNPC), payload data links, airborne terminals, and ground-based systems.
Core Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of FAA and non-FAA frequency assignment actions, ensuring that technical analyses and documentation conform to FAA Orders, the NTIA Manual (Redbook), and established engineering standards.
- Perform analyses to determine whether UAS frequencies introduce unacceptable interference to FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance systems.
- Identify potential UAS-related interference risks and propose technical mitigation.
- Conduct technical analyses for both airborne and ground-based UAS systems, including propagation modeling, link analyses, terrain impacts, signal power, and interference potential.
- Evaluate scenarios involving BVLOS operations, networked vs non-networked UAS systems, Airbourne transmitter impacts on aviation systems; and UAS terminals transmitting in shared or congested federal bands.
- Validate all technical data (location, equipment, parameters, emission designator, power, bandwidth, and antenna characteristics) for completeness and accuracy.
- Evaluate UAS operations in federal and non-federal bands following FAA, RTCA, ITU, and ICAO guidance.
- Assist in preparing technical input for domestic spectrum certification processes and international coordination activities.
- Support technical studies and spectrum planning efforts related to expanding UAS operations in national and international airspace.
- Support the FAA’s role in global harmonization efforts for UAS communications and non-payload spectrum use.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or equivalent technical field; completion of a formal spectrum management course or equivalent military experience in spectrum management (e.g., AFSC 3D1X4, MOS 25E) is also acceptable.
- 3+ years of relevant experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) integration, spectrum engineering, or aviation systems planning.
- Understanding of UAS command-and-control links, airborne transmitter characteristics, line-of-sight propagation, and RF interference mechanisms.
- Experience conducting propagation modeling, link-budget analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) studies.
- Ability to apply spectrum-engineering methodologies to novel or emerging UAS systems.
- Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems.
- U.S. citizenship and active Secret (or higher) clearance required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of spectrum-engineering principles, electromagnetic theory, and radio-frequency propagation as applied to communications, navigation, and surveillance systems that support the National Airspace System (NAS).
- Understand the unique spectrum requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
- Familiar with NTIA Redbook, FAA Order 6050.32, ICAO/RTCA UAS Spectrum Standards, and FCC Part 87/Part 90/Part 95 rules.
- Familiar with Spectrum XXI or similar federal spectrum management tools is highly desirable.
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Original Posting:
December 3, 2025For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00The 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.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
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Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
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