Radar Optimization Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Act as the representative for the PO at RSR locations, adhering to a demanding multi-site schedule.

• Function as an RSR subject matter expert for project, optimization, and engineering teams.

• Assist with the integration, configuration, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and optimization of radar and related electronic systems.

• Set up radar tracking parameters, target-classification software, network interfaces, and integration middleware.

• Conduct advanced field troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for issues such as signal interference, hardware malfunctions, communication failures, and data packet loss.

• Aid in antenna alignment and verify mechanical tilt and azimuth.

• Assess equipment mounting, environmental enclosures, and thermal management aspects that influence radar performance.

• Utilize spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and specialized radar diagnostic software to adjust gain, filter out clutter, set detection thresholds, and validate system performance.

• Review Ethernet, serial, CAN, fiber-optic, power distribution, grounding, bonding, and surge protection interfaces.

• Analyze radar performance data and modify systems to achieve detection, tracking, accuracy, and reliability benchmarks.

• Document testing outcomes, system configurations, deficiencies, corrective measures, and final optimization parameters.

• Collaborate with FAA personnel, system engineers, vendors, and technical stakeholders to address performance challenges.

• Ensure field operations comply with FAA regulations and site-specific safety protocols.

• Travel 50% to 75% of the time.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with 4–8 years of applicable experience, or equivalent experience that may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• A degree, formal certification, or equivalent technical training in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Military Radar Systems, or a closely related field.

• Experience in research, design, development, integration, maintenance, testing, calibration, or optimization of electrical and electronic equipment and systems.

• Completion of formal radar training at the FAA Academy, a military technical institution, or another recognized radar training program.

• Prior radar certification authority at one or more airports or operational radar facilities.

• Several years of practical field experience with one or more radar systems within the active National Airspace System (NAS) or a similar operational setting.

• Comprehensive knowledge of radio-frequency (RF) propagation, microwave transceivers, signal processing, antenna alignment, and waveguide systems.

• Proven understanding of system-integration interfaces, including Ethernet, serial, CAN, and fiber-optic communications; network protocols; power distribution; grounding and bonding; and surge protection.

• Proficient in using spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and specialized radar diagnostic software.

• Capable of conducting radar testing, calibration, and optimization tasks, such as adjusting gain, filtering clutter, establishing detection thresholds, and confirming system performance.

• Knowledgeable about mechanical tilt and azimuth alignment, environmental enclosures, equipment mounting, and thermal management requirements in relation to radar performance.

• Skilled in configuring radar tracking parameters, target-classification software, network interfaces, and integration middleware.

• Advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis abilities for identifying RF interference, hardware issues, communication failures, and data packet loss.

• Proficient in analyzing radar performance data, documenting test results, and recommending or implementing corrective measures.

• Extensive understanding of FAA operational risk management practices.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team while adhering to a rigorous radar optimization timeline.

• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality radar maintenance, testing, calibration, and optimization methods.

• Professional demeanor when representing Leidos to FAA clients.

• Demonstrated familiarity with relevant FAA technical, safety, and radar system standards.

• Capability to obtain and maintain an FAA Public Trust clearance.

• Preferred: previous experience as an FAA radar specialist, engineer, or technician with multi-year responsibility for radar systems in the operational NAS.

• Preferred: experience with FAA surveillance radar systems and their associated communications.

• Preferred: background in supporting radar modernization, integration, commissioning, operational testing, acceptance, calibration, troubleshooting, or optimization efforts.

• Preferred: experience in analyzing radar plots, system performance data, target reports, coverage, clutter, interference, and tracking anomalies.

• Preferred: knowledge of FAA safety standards, grounding and bonding requirements, radar performance criteria, and site-specific work procedures.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan with employer match.

• Generous paid time off and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.