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Radar Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Innovations

Radar Engineer

Adelphi, MD · On-site

You will be part of a dynamic team of engineers, scientists, and programmers. Working alongside top ... By applying your hands-on knowledge of radar antennas and systems, you will play a direct role in ...

Astrion

Surveillance Radar Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$110K - $140K/yr

Overview Surveillance Radar Engineer LOCATION: Remote JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: BI investigation CERTIFICATION: N/A TRAVEL: 75% Must be US citizen Astrion is seeking a Surveillance Radar ...

Medium

Space Radar Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

SSI is seeking a Space Radar Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to our Customer in Chantilly, VA. The role advises on space-based radar payload performance ...

SAIC

GEOINT Radar Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As the GEOINT Radar Engineer you will provide technical support to facilitate the development of GEOINT capabilities cooperatively with development contractors and mission partners to optimize ...

Noblis

Radar Engineer - Multiple Levels

Washington, DC · On-site

$138K - $264K/yr

The role combines systems engineering, field engineering, and analytical responsibilities, supporting radar concepts from requirements definition through operational deployment. Key Responsibilities

Roccomar, Inc.

Sr Radar Engineer

Falls Church, VA · Remote

$120K - $150K/yr

Overview The Senior Radar Engineering Program Manager provides blended technical leadership, mission management support, test & evaluation oversight, and senior-level program management across CBP ...

SAIC

GEOINT Radar Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

As the GEOINT Radar Engineer you will provide technical support to facilitate the development of GEOINT capabilities cooperatively with development contractors and mission partners to optimize ...

Astrion

Radar Modeling Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Overview Radar Modeling Engineer LOCATION: Columbia, Maryland STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Secret SALARY: $130,000 - $180,000 SEG supports the US Navy and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) by performing ...

Astrion

Radar Modeling Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Overview Radar Modeling Engineer LOCATION: Columbia, Maryland STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Secret SALARY: $130,000 - $180,000 SEG supports the US Navy and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) by performing ...

SAIC

GEOINT Radar Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As the GEOINT Radar Engineer you will provide technical support to facilitate the development of GEOINT capabilities cooperatively with development contractors and mission partners to optimize ...

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Radar Engineer information

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$87.2K

$91.1K

$94K

How much do radar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for radar engineer in Washington, DC is $91,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,400.00 and $92,800.00 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, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,140 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

GEOINT Radar Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is seeking a GEOINT Radar Engineer to provide Systems Engineer Technical Advisor (SETA) services for a critical position on an SAIC's Prime Program, supporting the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED).

As the GEOINT Radar Engineer you will provide technical support to facilitate the development of GEOINT capabilities cooperatively with development contractors and mission partners to optimize mission success. You will also actively perform engineering and analysis to ensure programs successfully develop and deliver core mission processing services in all phases of the acquisition life cycle.

Job Duties to include:

  • Retain cognizance of a wide variety of GEOINT mission processing projects including technical baseline, project schedules, dependencies, risks, and cost.
  • Advise Senior and Mid-Level managers on architectural decisions to include investment strategies, acquisition portfolio priorities, risk assessment of project execution. 
  • Interface directly with development Prime Contractors in the role of oversight, monitoring of software development and integration activities and ensuring alignment with Government requirements and objectives.
  • Operate side-by-side with Program staff comprised of world class System Engineers, Acquisition Engineers, and Domain Experts to lead the customer in acquiring modern processing applications.
  • Conduct Strategic planning for both mission architecture needs (technical trade studies, definition of future architecture planning, software service recommendations etc.) and programmatic (Program). 
  • Developing enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements.
  • Accomplish performance assessment and provide estimates of cost, schedule, and risk impacts to existing Ground architecture implementations.
  • Provide technical and cost assessment of vendor proposals, review technical reports, design artifacts and program plans.
  • Work with the IC customer to advance resiliency activities/initiatives in RF technology.
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 & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree and 9+ years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 7+ years; PhD/JD and 4+ years. Relevant experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
  • Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Poly.
  • Experience in Radar/RF phenomenology specific to collection and processing methodology.
  • Experience in Radar/RF systems to include tasking, command & control, collection, mission processing, or dissemination.
  • Experience in requirements development and definition activities.
  • Experience with IC, DoD, and/or commercial space architectures, systems and/or operations/Domain knowledge in Ground Software, Space Development Programs or Mission Operations programs.
  • Familiarity with MS Office tool suite.
  • Strong organizational, time-management, and verbal / written communication skills, able to convey information across multiple customer and corporate audiences.

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