Senior Radar Optimization Engineer

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

📋 Description

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

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

• Assist in the integration, configuration, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and enhancement 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 signal interference, hardware faults, communication failures, and data-packet loss.

• Provide support for antenna alignment, mechanical tilt and azimuth verification, and assess equipment mounting, environmental enclosures, and thermal management needs.

• Utilize spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and specialized radar diagnostic tools to adjust gain, filter clutter, set detection thresholds, and confirm performance.

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

• Analyze radar performance data and modify systems to meet detection, tracking, accuracy, and reliability criteria.

• Record test results, system configurations, deficiencies, corrective actions, and final optimization parameters.

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

• Ensure that field activities are in accordance with FAA regulations and site-specific safety protocols.

• Travel is expected to be between 50% to 75% of the time.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with 12 years of relevant experience, or additional relevant experience that may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

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

• 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.

• 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 in the active National Airspace System (NAS) or a similar operational setting.

• Extensive 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 the use of spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and specialized radar diagnostic software.

• Capability to conduct radar testing, calibration, and optimization tasks, including adjusting gain, filtering clutter, setting detection thresholds, and validating system performance.

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

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

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

• Ability to evaluate radar performance data, document test outcomes, and suggest or implement corrective adjustments.

• Thorough understanding of FAA operational risk-management practices.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team while adhering to a stringent radar optimization schedule.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Preferred: familiarity with FAA safety guidelines, grounding and bonding requirements, radar performance standards, and site-specific operational procedures.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• Generous vacation and paid time off policies.

• Flexible work arrangements and travel opportunities.