Senior Radar Optimization Engineer

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

📋 Description

• Act as the representative of the Program Office (PO) at Remote Site Radar (RSR) locations, implementing a demanding multi-site schedule.

• Function as an RSR subject matter expert, collaborating with project, optimization, and engineering leads within the RSR program office.

• Assist in 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 to identify issues such as signal interference, hardware failures, communication breakdowns, and data-packet loss.

• Provide support for antenna alignment and verify mechanical tilt and azimuth, while assessing equipment mounting, environmental enclosures, and thermal management factors impacting radar performance.

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

• Assess Ethernet, serial, CAN, fiber-optic communication systems, power distribution, grounding, bonding, and surge protection systems.

• Analyze radar performance data and implement system modifications to meet required detection, tracking, accuracy, and reliability standards.

• Record test findings, system configurations, deficiencies, corrective measures, and final optimization settings.

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

• Ensure that field operations adhere to relevant FAA regulations and site-specific safety protocols.

• Willingness to travel 50% to 75% of the time.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree accompanied by 12 years of relevant experience, or additional relevant experience that may be taken into account 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 systems and equipment.

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

• Previous 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.

• Proficiency with spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and specialized radar diagnostic software.

• Capacity to perform radar testing, calibration, and optimization tasks, including adjustments to gain, filtering of clutter, establishment of detection thresholds, and verification of system performance.

• Knowledge of mechanical tilt and azimuth alignment, environmental enclosures, equipment mounting, and thermal management requirements concerning radar performance.

• Ability to configure radar tracking parameters, target-classification software, network interfaces, and integration middleware.

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

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

• Thorough understanding of FAA operational risk management practices.

• Capability to excel independently and as part of a small team while adhering to a rigorous radar optimization schedule.

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

• Professional demeanor when representing Leidos to FAA clients.

• Proven knowledge of relevant FAA technical, safety, and radar system requirements.

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

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

• Preferred: familiarity with FAA surveillance radar systems and associated communication protocols.

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

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

• Preferred: understanding of FAA safety requirements, grounding and bonding standards, radar performance benchmarks, and site-specific operational procedures.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Flexible work arrangements.