ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Radar System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Radar Payload Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Monitor the system provider's performance in designing, documenting, and verifying all interfaces ...

KBR

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Radar Payload Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Monitor the system provider's performance in designing, documenting, and verifying all interfaces ...

Bowhead

RADAR Engineer/Scientist

King George, VA

Overview Combat Systems RADAR Engineer/Scientist (SSETS-2026-25205): Bowhead seeks a Combat Systems RADAR Engineer/Scientist to join our team supporting the Advanced Sensor Systems Division B40 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRadar System Engineer JobsRadar System Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Radar System Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$51.6K

$128.7K

$168K

How much do radar system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for radar system engineer in Virginia is $128,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,000.00 and $147,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or management positions.

How much would a radar engineer make money?

Radar system engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in signal processing or system design can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Certifications and working in defense or aerospace industries may also influence compensation levels.

How do Radar System Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development cycle?

Radar System Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including hardware designers, software developers, and project managers, throughout the development process. They often serve as the technical bridge, ensuring that system requirements are clearly communicated and integrated into both the hardware and software components. Regular meetings and design reviews are common, where engineers provide input on system architecture, troubleshoot integration issues, and verify that the end product meets performance specifications. Effective collaboration and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What does a radar system engineer do?

A radar system engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains radar systems used in defense, aviation, and weather monitoring. They work with signal processing, hardware integration, and software development, often using tools like MATLAB and CAD software, and require knowledge of electromagnetic theory and system engineering principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Radar System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Radar System Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, signal processing, and radar theory, often with a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, RF design software, and experience with hardware testing equipment or certifications such as Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) are typical requirements. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate and address complex technical challenges. These skills are essential for designing, testing, and maintaining advanced radar systems that meet performance, reliability, and safety standards.

What is the difference between Radar System Engineer vs Radar Software Engineer?

AspectRadar System EngineerRadar Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related fields; certifications like INCOSE or PMP beneficialBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; certifications in software development or systems are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and integrating radar hardware and systems in labs or field sitesDeveloping, testing, and maintaining radar software applications in software development environments
Industry UsageUsed across defense, aerospace, and military sectors for radar system developmentUsed in similar sectors for radar data processing, simulation, and software solutions

While both roles support radar technology, Radar System Engineers focus on hardware and system integration, whereas Radar Software Engineers specialize in software development and data processing. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Radar System Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Radar System Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Radar System Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Radar System Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Radar System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Radar System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,674 per year, or $61.9 per hour.
Radar Payload Systems Engineer

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
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 intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Radar Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. The selected candidate for this position will contribute to the design, development, implementation, integration, testing and delivery of radar hardware, software, and systems solutions for Government contracts.
Responsibilities
  • Radar Hardware Development: Define and document the RF front-end electronics and architecture of an advanced space-based SAR radar system, including the antenna arrays, receivers, and digital electronics.
  • Engineering Tasks: Perform engineering tasks to develop systems capable of meeting operational requirements within imposed constraints.
  • Acquisition Modeling Support: Perform rigorous link-budget modeling and analysis and conduct trade studies for hardware components to ensure mission success.
  • Algorithm Development. Support algorithm and analytical development using a variety of scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.) to process synthetic aperture radar data (SAR) and Moving Target Indicator (MTI).
  • Test Data Assessments: Analyze and assess integration and test data at the component, subsystem, payload, and space vehicle segments to identify and resolve issues with hardware design and manufacturing.
  • V&V Processes: Assess the verification and validation of system vendor testing at all levels to ensure the radar system meets its requirements.
  • Vendor Performance Monitoring: Monitor the system provider's performance in designing, documenting, and verifying all interfaces within the system.
  • Functional Analyses: Perform functional analyses to ensure systems meet performance criteria.
  • Operations and Procedures: Formulate, recommend, and direct operations and procedures to resolve engineering and/or technical problems.
  • Conduct Studies: Conduct special studies and investigations related to projects.
  • Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and instruction related to design problems.
  • Project Requirements Analysis: Analyze project requirements and provide information and instruction for designing, operating, maintaining, and modifying systems.
  • Solutions Integration: Ensure that solutions can be integrated into viable, complete systems.
  • General: Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Environment
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Moderate (20% to 50%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, applied physics, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
  • Relevant Radar Hardware Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting radar space system hardware development, integration, and test.
  • Remote Sensing Knowledge: Knowledge of remote sensing technologies including active and passive sensor systems which operate in the RF regime, and the concepts, signal and image processing algorithms and software architectures that enable these systems.
  • Prototyping Experience: Engineering software (prototyping) experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
  • Established Client Relationship Skills: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
  • Government Contracting Understanding: Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.
  • System Test: Hands-on experience with radar payload systems, interfaces, and Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T) activities.
  • Business Management Tools Proficiency: Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
  • Work-style Flexibility: Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to senior Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in a related STEM technical discipline. Radar focus in this degree is highly preferred.
  • Relevant Radar Hardware Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting radar space system hardware development, integration, and test is preferred.
  • Breadth of Experience: Experience working across multiple satellite programs or production lines is preferred.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

What KBR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

KBR logo

About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

View All KBR Jobs

Apply