Electrical EngineerSpectrum Engineer (Satellite Systems)

Leidos NISC IV program seeks an Electrical Engineer (Spectrum Engineer) with specialized experience in Satellite frequency assignment engineering and coordination to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group 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). This role performs engineering and coordinating frequency assignments across multiple aviation bandswith primary emphasis on Satellite and other federal bandsand applies knowledge of RF propagation electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and NTIA/FAA spectrum-management policy.

Core Responsibilities (All Bands):

• Contributes 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 radio-frequency compatibility analyses using the FAAs spectrum-automation and modeling tools to identify and mitigate potential interference among communications navigation and surveillance systems.
• Conduct RF propagation link-budget EMC and interference analyses using FAA spectrum-automation and modeling tools.
• Validate all technical data (location equipment parameters emission designator power bandwidth and antenna characteristics) for completeness and accuracy.
• Collaborates closely with other federal and contractor engineers Service Area Spectrum Offices and FAA program offices to resolve technical issues and advance records through the assignment and coordination process.

Satellite-Specific Responsibilities:

• Engineer FAA and non-FAA Satellite frequency assignments across L-band S-band C-band Ku-band Ka-band and other satellite service allocations as required.
• Evaluate satellite earth station operations space-to-earth and earth-to-space link characteristics antenna patterns EIRP density gain contours and orbital considerations (GEO MEO LEO).
• Analyze compatibility between Satellite systems and FAA CNS systems ensuring compliance with FAA protection criteria and NTIA rules.
• Support FAA reviews of new or modified SATCOM services that may affect aviation operations (e.g. safety-critical data links ADS-B CPDLC FANS Iridium Inmarsat Starlink-type systems).

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering Electronics Engineering Telecommunications 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 radio frequency engineering satellite communications spectrum engineering or related aerospace/telecom engineering.
• Comprehensive understanding of radio-frequency spectrum engineering principles including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) interference analysis and frequency coordination.
• Understanding satellite link budgets space-to-earth path loss antenna gain EIRP density and orbital parameters.
• Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems used for spectrum management with guidance.
• 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).
• Experience with SATCOM system engineering (GEO MEO LEO) and aviation-related satellite services.
• Familiarity with NTIA Redbook satellite chapters FCC Part 25 or ITU Radio Regulations.
• Experience in applying analytical and automation tools to perform frequency-assignment processing data validation and compatibility analysis with attention to accuracy and completeness.
• Experience evaluating radio-frequency system parameters to identify and mitigate potential interference and resolving routine and complex spectrum-engineering problems with minimal supervision.
• Familiar with Spectrum XXI or similar federal spectrum management tools is highly desirable.

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Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.