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Radar Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Radar Research Engineer KBR is looking for a Radar Research Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, you will push the boundaries of Synthetic Aperture Radar and Moving Target ...

KBR

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Radar Research Engineer KBR is looking for a Radar Research Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, you will push the boundaries of Synthetic Aperture Radar and Moving Target ...

KBR, Inc.

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Radar Research Engineer KBR is looking for a Radar Research Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, you will push the boundaries of Synthetic Aperture Radar and Moving Target ...

KBR, Inc.

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Radar Research Engineer KBR is looking for a Radar Research Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, you will push the boundaries of Synthetic Aperture Radar and Moving Target ...

National Guard OMD

94M Radar Repairer

Bowling Green, VA · On-site

$200 - $250/wk

Radar is the Army National Guard's eyes and ears, providing critical information officers need to ... engineering firms, the federal government, or aircraft and military hardware manufacturers. Earn ...

National Guard OMD

94M Radar Repairer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$200 - $250/wk

Radar is the Army National Guard's eyes and ears, providing critical information officers need to ... engineering firms, the federal government, or aircraft and military hardware manufacturers. Earn ...

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All JobsRadar Engineer JobsRadar Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Radar Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$76.3K

$79.8K

$82.3K

How much do radar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for radar engineer in Virginia is $79,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $81,300.00 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 do radar engineers do?

Radar engineers design, develop, and test radar systems used for detection, navigation, and communication. They work with electronic components, signal processing, and software to ensure radar systems operate accurately and reliably, often using tools like simulation software and adhering to industry standards. Their work supports applications in defense, aviation, weather monitoring, and other fields.

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.

How much would a radar engineer make money?

Radar engineers typically earn a salary ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, 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. Certifications and working in defense or aerospace industries may also influence compensation levels.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior radar engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries such as defense or aerospace, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. These roles often require advanced certifications, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior radar engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in defense, aerospace, or government agencies, and may include bonuses or other compensation components.
More about Radar Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Radar Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Radar Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
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What job categories do people searching Radar Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Radar Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Radar Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Radar Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Radar Engineer jobs in VA? For Radar Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Radar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Radar Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,809 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Radar RF Signals Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Radar RF Signals Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 204 rated it services

Job description

SAIC has a funded need for a Radar RF Signals Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Space Systems) to support an expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer within the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

This position offers a flexible work schedule, with core collaboration hours from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., allowing you to balance mission demands with personal flexibility while still engaging deeply with a worldclass engineering team.

Clearance Requirements: Top Secret/SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly.  (Note: The current Security Clearance must be held by an IC Customer.) 

Role Overview

As a senior technical contributor, you will analyze and design high-fidelity ground-based radar RF signal models of great importance to the NRO. Your modeling and simulation products will inform spacecraft and sensor design, mission planning, and system-of-systems behavior.  Some work will also require modeling and simulation of space-based radar systems.

You will work at the intersection of radar signal modeling, sensor phenomenology, digital signal processing and orbital mechanics, producing insights that will guide the design and operation of future NRO satellites. Your analyses will be used by senior Government leaders, system architects, and program managers to evaluate spacecraft design options and chart the path for next-generation space capabilities.

Key Responsibilities to include:

  • Develop advanced RF simulations - Build, refine, and maintain physics-based RF signal models of ground-based radars. Additional modeling work will support space-based radar payload design, acquisition and operations decisions.
  • Perform end-to-end mission modeling - Integrate orbital dynamics and system-level interactions to evaluate mission performance across full operational scenarios.
  • Automate modeling workflows - Use existing advanced custom MATLAB tools, develop related new modeling tools using one or more of MATLAB, Python, C, or similar tools.  Streamline data analysis for repeatable, high quality results.
  • Produce technical artifacts - Generate clear, defensible technical documentation, simulation reports, and visualizations that support engineering decisions, analysis reviews, and customer briefings.
  • Support design reviews & trade studies - Provide modeling-driven insights that quantify performance impacts, evaluate design alternatives, and inform system-level tradeoffs across spacecraft and mission architectures.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 9+ years of professional technical experience (Master's degree with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+)
  • Current and Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly.  (Note: The current Security Clearance must be held by an IC Customer.) 
  • Radar signal modeling experience - 4+ years of system-level modeling and simulation for radar signals (preferred).
  • High fidelity radar modeling - Experience developing or evaluating high fidelity radar signal models
  • Sensor phenomenology expertise - Strong understanding of radar phenomenology, electromagnetic propagation and antennas
  • Mathematics & estimation - Solid foundation in applied math and state estimation techniques used in modeling and simulation.

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