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Radar System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Radar Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Develop, refine, and trace system-level and payload-level requirements across space, ground, and ... Prior work with a prime contractor or radar payload developer, ideally supporting space or airborne ...

Radar Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Radar Systems Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and ... Develop, refine, and trace system-level and payload-level requirements across space, ground, and ...

... and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy's Portfolio Acquisition Executive for ... radar systems engineer to support a fast-paced radar program within the Navy's Portfolio ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 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.

How much would a radar system engineer make?

Radar system 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 system design can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

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 is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining radar systems used in applications such as defense, aviation, weather monitoring, and automotive safety. Their work involves both hardware and software components, including signal processing, antenna design, and system integration. They analyze requirements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that radar systems meet performance, reliability, and safety standards. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and staying updated on technological advancements are also key aspects of this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radar system engineer?

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 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:

Infographic showing various Radar System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,674 per year, or $61.9 per hour.

Radar Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


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7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2614410
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-09
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Systems Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a Radar Systems Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.
Note: Current and Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to obtain a Polygraph is required.
As a Radar Systems Engineer you will serve as a technical advisor supporting end-to-end system development for radar-enabled space systems, mission processing chains, and GEOINT exploitation capabilities. This role is ideal for a candidate who understands how radar payloads and ground mission systems are built, and can translate that insight into objective, acquisition-focused technical guidance for government leadership.
Key Responsibilities to include:
  • Support analysis of radar payload designs, RF architectures, waveform strategies, and sensor performance models for spaceborne GEOINT missions.
  • Provide unbiased SETA insight into contractor development activities, design reviews, risk posture, and technical trades.
  • Develop, refine, and trace system-level and payload-level requirements across space, ground, and mission-processing segments.
  • Plan and assess verification strategies, test events, and performance validation for radar payloads, ground systems, and mission-processing algorithms.
  • Evaluate end-to-end GEOINT mission architectures, including tasking, collection, downlink, processing, exploitation, and dissemination.
  • Apply real-world development experience to assess feasibility, schedule realism, integration complexity, and technical maturity.
  • Prepare and deliver technical briefings to government leads, mission partners, and senior decision-makers.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (science, technical, engineering, math) or related discipline and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Relevant experience to be substituted in lieu of degree.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to obtain a Polygraph.
  • Knowledge or experience with radar systems, RF sensing, SAR, GMTI, or radar phenomenology (hands-on or conceptual).
  • Prior work with a prime contractor or radar payload developer, ideally supporting space or airborne sensing programs.
  • Familiarity with mission needs, acquisition processes, and space/ground integration.
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, STK, or similar modeling/simulation tools.
  • Working knowledge of MBSE/SysML, or similar digital-engineering tools/concepts.
  • Understanding of mission processing, exploitation algorithms, or radar image formation.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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