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Radar Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Work across SDR, radar, resilient networking, secure communications, and RF sensing technologies ... Why experienced engineers choose Secmation * Spend your time building, integrating, and testing ...

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Ely, IA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Work across SDR, radar, resilient networking, secure communications, and RF sensing technologies ... Why experienced engineers choose Secmation * Spend your time building, integrating, and testing ...

Work across SDR, radar, resilient networking, secure communications, and RF sensing technologies ... Why experienced engineers choose Secmation Spend your time building, integrating, and testing ...

Key Responsibilities Serve as an Electronics Technician (ET) or Fire Controlman (FC) after training, based on performance and Navy needs; as an ET, maintain and repair radar, communication, and ...

Key Responsibilities Serve as an Electronics Technician (ET) or Fire Controlman (FC) after training, based on performance and Navy needs; as an ET, maintain and repair radar, communication, and ...

Key Responsibilities Serve as an Electronics Technician (ET) or Fire Controlman (FC) after training, based on performance and Navy needs; as an ET, maintain and repair radar, communication, and ...

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Radar Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$72.3K

$75.6K

$78K

How much do radar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for radar engineer in Iowa is $75,610.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a radar engineer do?

A radar engineer works to design, enhance, or test the accuracy of radar systems. In this career, your duties vary depending on the industry. You may develop radar for weather forecast or tracking purposes, or you could work for the military or a private company in the defense industry. Regardless of your employer, your responsibilities as a radar engineer focus on the technical aspects of a radar system, such as testing of sensor instrument devices or the creation of an algorithm to continuously ensure accuracy and give users control of how they view the system’s data.

What does a radar engineer do?

A Radar Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains radar systems used for detecting and tracking objects such as aircraft, ships, or weather formations. They work with both hardware and software components to ensure radar systems function accurately and reliably. Their responsibilities often include signal processing, system integration, and troubleshooting technical issues. Radar Engineers are employed in industries such as defense, aerospace, meteorology, and automotive safety systems.

What are some typical challenges radar engineers face when working on new radar system designs?

Radar Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance requirements with size, weight, and power constraints, especially when designing systems for aerospace or defense applications. Integrating the latest signal processing techniques while ensuring system reliability and meeting strict regulatory standards can also be complex. Additionally, Radar Engineers regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, hardware engineers, and project managers—to troubleshoot issues and implement innovative solutions throughout the development cycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radar engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Radar Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, signal processing, and electromagnetics, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (like MATLAB or CST), hardware testing tools, and industry-specific certifications such as those from IEEE are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting radar systems that meet stringent performance and safety standards.

What is the difference between Radar Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectRadar EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, specialized training in radar systemsBachelor's or higher in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, RF design certifications
Work EnvironmentDefense, aerospace, military, or research labsTelecommunications, wireless, consumer electronics industries
Industry UsageDesign and development of radar systems and sensorsDesign and testing of radio frequency components and systems

Radar Engineers focus on designing and developing radar systems used in defense, aerospace, and research. RF Engineers work on radio frequency components for wireless and communication devices. While both roles require knowledge of RF principles, Radar Engineers specialize in radar-specific technologies, whereas RF Engineers have a broader focus on RF systems across various industries.

How much would a radar engineer make?

Radar engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in signal processing or systems integration can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Radar Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Radar Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Radar Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Radar Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Radar Engineer jobs in IA?

For Radar Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Radar Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,610 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Ely, IA • Hybrid

Secmation
Software Development • 1 - 10 employees

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Senior RF Communications Engineer

$140,000-$175,000 Base Salary

Signing Bonus • Equity • Relocation Assistance

Hybrid | Huntsville, AL | Full-Time | 9/80 Schedule

This isn't another defense contractor job.

Join a mission-focused engineering team developing next-generation RF communications and Electronic Warfare capabilities for national defense. This role is centered on the hands-on development of operational RF communications systems, including waveforms, signal processing, SDR implementation, system integration, and performance in challenged or contested RF environments. Work across SDR, radar, resilient networking, secure communications, and RF sensing technologies while contributing directly to systems from design through integration, testing, and field demonstration.

Why experienced engineers choose Secmation

  • Spend your time building, integrating, and testing advanced RF systems.
  • Contribute to system development from early design through field deployment.
  • Work directly with experienced engineers, DoD customers, and mission users.
  • Solve challenging RF, Electronic Warfare, SDR, radar, and secure communications problems.
  • Collaborate with a small, highly technical team where every engineer has real impact.
  • Build technology designed to transition into operational use.

What you'll build and contribute

Contribute directly to the development of advanced RF technologies that support critical defense missions. This is a highly hands-on individual-contributor role focused on communications-system design and implementation, modeling, integration, HWIL testing, field demonstration, validation, and operational deployment. A core focus is developing and evaluating RF communications capabilities that must perform in challenged or contested environments. The position does not carry technical team-lead responsibilities.

You'll work across:

  • Electronic Warfare capabilities and applications, with opportunities to support Electronic Attack, Electronic Support, Electronic Protection, and countermeasure development.
  • Software Defined Radiosolutions, including software, embedded processing, and integration with firmware-based radio platforms and secure embedded communications systems.
  • Tactical RF communications, SATCOM, resilient networking, radar, and RF sensing technologies.
  • AI-enabled RF analysis, mission systems, and adaptive signal-processing capabilities as part of the broader program environment.
  • RF algorithm development, communications-system modeling, mission simulation, and scenario development using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools.
  • System integration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, field testing, validation, and live customer demonstrations.
  • Close collaboration with RF, software, hardware, cybersecurity, and systems engineers across the program.

What we're looking for

  • U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Secret security clearance arerequired, with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in RF systems, communications engineering, SDR, radar, Electronic Warfare, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience developing RF communications systems from design through implementation, integration, test, and operational demonstration or deployment.
  • Experience with SDR frameworks and platforms such as GNU Radio, REDHAWK, USRP/UHD, Epiq, or comparable technologies.
  • Experience using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools for RF modeling, simulation, algorithm development, or data analysis.
  • Experience with C/C++ for embedded or systems-level applications.
  • Experience supporting system integration, HWIL testing, mission simulation, field testing, validation, or customer demonstrations.
  • Experience with one or more of the following: tactical communications, SATCOM, resilient networking, radar, RF sensing, or Electronic Warfare systems.
  • Deep understanding of communications-system design, including waveforms, modulation/demodulation, coding, synchronization, link performance, RF/DSP tradeoffs, waveform performance analysis, and related signal-processing techniques.
  • Ability to independently lead analysis of communications-system behavior in challenged or contested RF environments and develop technical approaches to improve friendly-system performance, resilience, and mission effectiveness or to influence/degrade adversary RF system performance.
  • Ability to independently execute complex technical tasks while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to document and present findings to internal teams, program leadership, and government stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Electronic Attack, Electronic Support, Electronic Protection, or countermeasure development.
  • Experience integrating software with firmware-based SDR or embedded radio platforms.
  • Experience supporting defense or government programs through field testing or operational deployment.
  • Exposure to AI-enabled RF analysis or adaptive mission systems.

Compensation & Benefits

  • $140,000-$175,000 base salary
  • Signing bonus
  • Company equity
  • Relocationassistance
  • Hybrid 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
  • Paid time off and flexible work schedules
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life and short- and long-term disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement benefits with company contribution

Work Environment

  • Hybrid role with on-site workrequired in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • Flexible 9/80 work schedule supporting every other Friday off.
  • Collaborative,fast-paced, and technically innovative environment with distributed team integration.

About Secmation

Secmation develops AI-enabled software, embedded cybersecurity, secure RF systems, and advanced communications technologies for the U.S. defense community. Our mission is to deliver next-generation secure technologies for Electronic Warfare, autonomous systems, and critical defense applications.

Small company. Big mission. Real engineering.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Secmation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

The salary range represents a general guideline. Secmation considers the scope and responsibilities of the position, as well as a candidate's experience, education, skills, work location, current market conditions, and other bona fide factors when determining compensation.