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Radio Tech Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

3GPP RAN1/RAN2 Standards Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Design and develop L1 or L2 radio technology components in alignment with radio standardization specifications, focusing on physical layer specifications. * Utilize simulation tools to assess and ...

3GPP RAN1/RAN2 Standards Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Design and develop L1 or L2 radio technology components in alignment with radio standardization specifications, focusing on physical layer specifications. * Utilize simulation tools to assess and ...

Design and develop L1 or L2 radio technology components in alignment with radio standardization specifications, focusing on physical layer specifications. * Utilize simulation tools to assess and ...

Radio Frequency Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

This role requires expertise in radio frequency (RF) engineering, wireless communication ... Understand wireless communications technologies and concepts * Gather customer requirements ...

Radio Frequency Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

This role requires expertise in radio frequency (RF) engineering, wireless communication ... Understand wireless communications technologies and concepts * Gather customer requirements ...

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Showing results 1-20

Radio Tech information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$26

$40

How much do radio tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for radio tech in Virginia is $26.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $30.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a radio tech do?

A Radio Tech, short for Radio Technician, is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing radio communication systems and equipment. They work with transmitters, receivers, antennas, and related hardware to ensure that radio signals are transmitted and received effectively. Radio Techs often work in industries such as broadcasting, emergency services, transportation, and telecommunications. Their duties may also include troubleshooting technical issues, performing routine inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radio tech?

To thrive as a Radio Tech, you need a solid understanding of radio frequency (RF) theory, electronics, and troubleshooting, often supported by an associate degree in electronics or a related certification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools like spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and industry-standard software such as Motorola CPS is common, as is holding an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills for efficiently diagnosing issues and collaborating with teams. These competencies ensure reliable radio communication systems, rapid issue resolution, and safety in critical settings.

What are some common challenges a radio tech faces when maintaining communication equipment in the field?

Radio Techs often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting signal interference, working in remote or harsh environments, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology. They must be adept at diagnosing complex technical issues under time constraints, often requiring quick thinking and adaptability. Collaboration with other engineers and field personnel is crucial, especially when coordinating large-scale communication networks or emergency repairs. Staying current with industry standards and safety protocols is also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Radio Tech vs Broadcast Technician?

AspectRadio TechBroadcast Technician
CertificationsFCC licenses, technical certificationsFCC licenses, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentRadio stations, communication facilitiesTV and radio broadcast stations, media companies
Industry UsagePrimarily radio broadcasting and communicationRadio and television broadcasting
Job FocusMaintaining radio transmitters, signal troubleshootingSetting up broadcast equipment, signal quality management

Both Radio Technicians and Broadcast Technicians work in broadcasting environments and require similar certifications. However, Radio Techs focus mainly on radio transmission systems, while Broadcast Technicians handle a broader range of media equipment, including television and radio broadcast systems.

Is being a radio technician a good career?

Radio technicians install, maintain, and repair radio communication systems, often working in technical environments that require knowledge of electronics and signal transmission. The career offers steady employment opportunities, with some positions requiring certifications or specialized training, and typically involves working both indoors and outdoors. Job prospects depend on industry demand and technological advancements in communication systems.
Infographic showing various Radio Tech job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,714 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Tech SETA - Radio Frequency and Radar

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Tech SETA - Radio Frequency (RF) and Radar to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The DARPA Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO) is seeking experienced Technical SETA candidates to provide onsite support in the areas of advanced signal processing and applied computation in heterogeneous complex systems at-Scale. Will provide expert technical advice and guidance to the government on all aspects of technology development for RF systems design and operations for airborne and spaceborne systems. Support and monitor technical performance of researchers from industry and academia in integration, testing, prototype deployment, and transition of technologies related to collaborative and distributed radar systems. This includes deep technical understanding of transmissions across the radio frequency spectrum, modeling approaches to support system design, as well as front-end hardware (power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, and transmitter/receiver modules). Will be responsible for supporting meetings/technical exchanges, assessing research performer technical progress, characterizing and supporting evaluation of technology approaches, and ensuring that project management best practices are followed by research entities. Prepare and deliver technical reports, briefings, and presentations to government officials and technology transition stakeholders. Scope of work to include new program support with responsibilities for ensuring that new programs are compelling from a technical perspective and strategically grounded in alignment with agency and office-level visions. Apply expertise in navigating the new start process, evaluating program concepts, providing actionable input, and meaningfully strengthening pipeline concepts. Tasks include military needs analyses, assessments of research base states-of-the-art, trade studies, sensitivity analyses, program scope/change impact assessments, technical monitoring, and reporting upon results and development of recommendations for compelling paths forward.

Qualifications

Required: 

  • Degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics or a related discipline
  • 5-7+ years of relevant experience with radar systems & engineering design for sensor systems that operate with some degree of automation
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Technical understanding of transmissions across the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, RF system design, and RF modeling for airborne and space-based RF systems
  • Familiarity with general systems engineering principles for complex systems development
  • An exceptional degree of initiative, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability
  • Commitment to excellence and attention to detail on assignments of a varied, diverse, and sometimes difficult nature amidst challenging deadlines and operational time constraints
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to develop and cultivate effective working relationships with staff, peers, stakeholders, and the DARPA Program Manager in a team environment
  • Strong organization and communication skills, particularly in technical writing and briefing preparations with the ability to effectively convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative as a self-starter in an extremely dynamic environment, while achieving team goals
  • Must possess an understanding and extreme intellectual command of the technical baseline on a program-by-program basis for efforts within a portfolio
  • Experience interfacing with non-technical stakeholders and in communicating technical challenges, progress, and limitations at varying levels of abstraction
  • Experience working in classified settings with Special Access Programs (SAPs); experience working across security environments with stakeholders from across the Defense Industrial Base
  • Able to work fully onsite, based on client needs

Desired: 

  • Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related discipline 
  • Experience in performing research and developing innovative technologies at a rapid pace in response to emerging threats
  • Experience in directly engaging with government transition partners (within the DoD and/or intelligence community)
  • Experience building systems for complex, Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL), contested, and non-benign operating environments

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $190k-$250K

Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $190,000.00/Yr. - USD $250,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME