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Radar Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Radar Payload Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

ICES, Inc.

Radar Sensor Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

As a Radar Sensor Systems Engineer, specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Duties: * Sensor modeling including development and analysis of payload performance tables * Algorithm ...

LaBine and Associates

Radar Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

The technician will aid the engineering team in the prototyping, design, and testing of solid-state radar systems, as well as traveling to the field to install and diagnose issues with new product ...

LaBine and Associates

Radar Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

The technician will aid the engineering team in the prototyping, design, and testing of solid-state radar systems, as well as traveling to the field to install and diagnose issues with new product ...

LaBine and Associates

Radar Technician

Arlington, VA

The technician will aid the engineering team in the prototyping, design, and testing of solid-state radar systems, as well as traveling to the field to install and diagnose issues with new product ...

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Radar Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$87.2K

$91.2K

$94K

How much do radar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for radar engineer in Washington is $91,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $92,900.00 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.
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Radar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Radar Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,174 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Radar Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you eager to apply your expertise in radar systems, physics, modeling and simulation, and/or data science to high impact defense challenges, and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking Radar System Engineers with one or more years of experience to help field the next generation of Advanced Surface Navy sensors and Land-based Cruise Missile Defense sensor networks, defending against some of the world's most challenging threats in challenging operational environments.
Why Join Us
  • Mission-Driven Impact: Contribute directly to the development and fielding of next-generation Navy Radar/EO/IR, electronic-warfare, and land-based cruise-missile-defense sensor networks that protect service members against the world's toughest threats.
  • Cutting-Edge Innovation: Work with physics-based modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced data-analysis, and machine-learning techniques to create innovative sensor-performance tools.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team of sensor engineers, RF-propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat-system engineers, and physicists-all focused on solving complex, mission-critical problems.

Core Responsibilities
  • Analyze live tactical-sensor data with a cross-disciplinary team to deliver mission-driven solutions.
  • Identify and solve problems that impact mission requirements.
  • Build and apply M&S tools, data-analysis platforms, and machine-learning algorithms to large data sets; develop novel algorithms that solve real-world problems.
  • Develop and refine physics-based simulations that provide new insight into radar, EO/IR, and electronic-warfare system performance in realistic operational environments.
  • Develop novel instrumentation and algorithms for understanding RF propagation effects by directly measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signal measurements.
  • Identify emergent phenomenology, troubleshoot problems affecting sensor performance, and work with a broad network of experts-including prime contractors, government labs, RF-propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat-system engineers, and physicists-to deliver integrated solutions.
  • Apply, machine learning, signal processing, and data science techniques to unprecedented real-world challenges.
  • Advance the state of the art in our core technology areas: signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary-layer meteorology.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...
  • A BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent STEM technical discipline, with some sensor systems engineering experience.
  • At least 1 year of engineering-related experience.
  • Strong understanding of radar systems, and/or physics-based phenomena affecting radar or communications systems.
  • Some familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools, and have had some exposure to modern development process (git, GitLab, Jira, or equivalent).
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent STEM technical discipline and additional years of relevant experience.
  • Experience with advanced DoW sensors and combat systems, particularly in the areas described above.
  • Have experience leading technical teams.
  • Have an existing Top Secret clearance.

#LI-KW1
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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