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Senior Radar Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Prepare and deliver technical briefings to government leads, mission partners, and senior ... 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

Prepare and deliver technical briefings to government leads, mission partners, and senior decision ... 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 ... Prepare and deliver technical briefings to government leads, mission partners, and senior decision ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Radar Engineer information

What is a senior radar engineer?

Senior Radar Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain radar systems used in various industries such as defense, aviation, meteorology, and automotive safety. They lead technical teams, oversee complex radar projects, and ensure the systems meet performance and safety standards. Their responsibilities include signal processing, hardware integration, troubleshooting, and often mentoring junior engineers. Senior Radar Engineers typically have extensive backgrounds in electrical engineering, signal processing, and hands-on radar technology experience.

What are some of the typical challenges a senior radar engineer faces when leading multi-disciplinary project teams?

Senior Radar Engineers often oversee teams that include software, hardware, and systems engineers, requiring strong coordination and communication skills. One common challenge is integrating diverse technical components into a cohesive radar system, while ensuring that all team members align with project goals and timelines. Additionally, balancing technical innovation with regulatory compliance and resource constraints can be demanding. Successful Senior Radar Engineers proactively address these challenges through effective collaboration, clear documentation, and continuous stakeholder engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior radar engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Radar Engineer, you need a deep understanding of radar system design, signal processing, and electromagnetic theory, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, FPGA development environments, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications like IEEE are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for developing innovative radar solutions, ensuring system reliability, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Senior Radar Engineer vs Radar Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Radar EngineerRadar Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Radar Technology, or related field; often with certifications in radar systemsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test radar systems; often in R&D labs or manufacturing facilitiesDesign and integrate radar systems within larger platforms; work in R&D, testing, or field deployment
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, military, and research institutionsDefense contractors, aerospace companies, and government agencies

While both roles require expertise in radar technology and similar educational backgrounds, Senior Radar Engineers typically focus on advanced design, development, and testing of radar systems. Radar Systems Engineers often work on integrating radar systems into larger platforms and systems. Both roles are vital in defense and aerospace industries, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Senior Radar Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Radar Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Senior Radar Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 452 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.

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About KBR

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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