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Spectrum Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Spectrum Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$105K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Spectrum Engineer to provide advanced spectrum engineering and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) support for complex Department of Defense (DoD) systems and ...

RF Engineer - Tysons, VA

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

ATDI is seeking an experienced RF Engineer to join our Washington office. This is a client‑facing ... Conduct radio network planning, spectrum management, interference analysis, and coverage studies.

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Spectrum Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.4K

$113.4K

$157.3K

How much do spectrum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for spectrum engineer in Washington, DC is $113,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,114.00 and $144,944.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a spectrum engineer?

Spectrum Engineers are professionals who manage, analyze, and optimize the use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to ensure efficient and interference-free communication. They work with wireless technologies, regulatory agencies, and equipment manufacturers to allocate frequencies, resolve interference issues, and comply with regulations. Their expertise is essential for industries such as telecommunications, broadcasting, and defense, where reliable wireless communication is critical.

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

To thrive as a Spectrum Engineer, you need a strong background in radio frequency (RF) engineering, telecommunications, and knowledge of spectrum management principles, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with spectrum analysis tools, RF modeling software, and relevant regulatory standards such as those from the FCC or ITU is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with stakeholders and solving complex spectrum allocation challenges. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure efficient spectrum utilization, regulatory compliance, and optimal performance of wireless communication systems.

How does a spectrum engineer typically collaborate with regulatory bodies and other engineering teams within an organization?

Spectrum Engineers often work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with frequency allocation and licensing requirements. Within an organization, they regularly coordinate with RF engineers, network planners, and product development teams to optimize spectrum usage and resolve interference issues. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted service and developing innovative solutions that adhere to both technical and legal standards. Strong communication skills and up-to-date knowledge of regulations are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Spectrum Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectSpectrum EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; certifications like FCC licensingBachelor's in Electrical or Electronics Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, broadcast, wireless service providersWireless carriers, telecommunications, electronics manufacturing
Industry UsageFocuses on spectrum management, allocation, and interference analysisDesigns and tests radio frequency circuits and systems

While both roles involve working with radio frequencies, Spectrum Engineers primarily manage spectrum allocation and interference issues, whereas RF Engineers focus on designing and testing RF hardware. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the telecommunications industry.

Infographic showing various Spectrum 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 $113,430 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Senior Spectrum Engineer

eSimplicity

Arlington, VA • On-site

$105K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

About Us 

eSimplicity is a modern digital services company that partners with government agencies to improve the lives and protect the well-being of all Americans, from veterans and service members to children, families, and seniors. Our engineers, designers, and strategists cut through complexity to create intuitive products and services that equip federal agencies with solutions to courageously transform today for a better tomorrow. 


We are seeking a Senior Spectrum Engineer to provide advanced spectrum engineering and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) support for complex Department of Defense (DoD) systems and operations. The Senior Spectrum Engineer will perform technical analyses, assessments, measurements, and coordination activities supporting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), radiation hazards (RADHAZ), RF propagation, spectrum certification, and frequency management. 


This position will work closely with spectrum management organizations, acquisition and engineering teams, operational organizations, and military, federal, local, and host-nation authorities to ensure systems can operate effectively and compatibly within their intended electromagnetic environments. 


Responsibilities:  

  • Possesses and applies a comprehensive knowledge across key tasks and high impact assignments.  
  • Plans and leads major technology assignments.  
  • Evaluates performance results and recommends major changes affecting short-term project growth and success.  
  • Functions as a technical expert across multiple project assignments.  
  • Provide quick-reaction EMI, RADHAZ, RF propagation, spectrum compatibility, and E3 engineering analyses in response to operational, acquisition, test, and engineering requirements.  
  • Analyze equipment, platforms, and systems for potential Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) issues and develop technically sound recommendations to prevent, mitigate, or resolve identified problems.  
  • Conduct electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) analyses to evaluate compatibility between systems operating within complex electromagnetic environments.  
  • Coordinate, interpret, and apply applicable EMC/E3 standards, criteria, policies, and engineering requirements in support of system development, acquisition, testing, fielding, and operation.  
  • Perform and support radio frequency (RF) measurements, data collection, and technical assessments to characterize electromagnetic environments, investigate interference, and validate engineering analyses.  
  • Conduct RF propagation, coverage, link, and interference analyses using appropriate engineering models, tools, and measurement data.  
  • Evaluate system RF characteristics, including operating frequencies, bandwidths, emissions, transmitter power, receiver characteristics, antenna parameters, and deployment configurations.  
  • Assist the Frequency Operations Support Division (FOSD) with the preparation and technical review of DD Form 1494, Application for Equipment Frequency Allocation, and supporting documentation.  
  • Support spectrum certification and spectrum supportability activities throughout the acquisition lifecycle, including assessment of proposed systems for compliance with applicable spectrum and E3 requirements.  
  • Assist acquisition organizations and program offices by assessing E3 and spectrum-related technical risks, requirements, and constraints associated with system design, development, testing, procurement, and fielding.  
  • Determine appropriate operational frequency bands based on system requirements, spectrum availability, electromagnetic compatibility, regulatory constraints, and the intended operational environment.  
  • Prepare and coordinate frequency assignment requests with appropriate military, federal, installation, and local frequency-management authorities.  
  • Support international spectrum coordination and provide technical assistance in obtaining host-nation approval for equipment operation, including preparation and review of required technical characteristics and spectrum-support documentation.  
  • Evaluate potential frequency conflicts and recommend mitigation strategies such as frequency selection, filtering, antenna placement, geographic separation, power management, equipment modifications, or operational restrictions.  
  • Assess applicable RADHAZ considerations, including hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel, ordnance, and fuels, as required by supported systems and missions.  
  • Support interference investigations by identifying potential interference sources, conducting technical analyses and measurements, and recommending corrective actions.  
  • Develop and conduct E3, EMC, EMI, spectrum engineering, and frequency-management training for technical, acquisition, and operational personnel.  
  • Prepare technical reports, engineering assessments, briefings, spectrum-supportability documentation, and other technical products for government and program stakeholders.  
  • Coordinate with program offices, acquisition organizations, system engineers, spectrum managers, frequency managers, operational units, test organizations, and external authorities to resolve spectrum and E3 issues.  
  • Provide senior-level technical guidance and mentorship in spectrum engineering, E3, EMI/EMC, RADHAZ, RF measurements, propagation analysis, spectrum certification, and frequency-management processes.  
  • May supervise others. 

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, RF Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. 
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in spectrum engineering, E3, EMI/EMC, RF engineering, frequency management, or related DoD communications/electronics engineering. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) principles and their application to military equipment and systems. 
  • Experience performing EMI/EMC, RADHAZ, RF propagation, interference, and/or spectrum compatibility analyses. 
  • Experience supporting spectrum certification, frequency allocation, and/or frequency assignment processes. 
  • Experience preparing, reviewing, or supporting DD Form 1494 frequency allocation applications. 
  • Working knowledge of DoD and federal spectrum-management processes, policies, and organizations. 
  • Experience interpreting and applying applicable E3/EMC standards, spectrum policies, frequency-allocation requirements, and technical criteria. 
  • Knowledge of RF system characteristics, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, emissions, bandwidth, modulation, propagation, and link performance. 
  • Ability to perform or support RF measurements and interpret measurement data in support of engineering assessments and interference investigations. 
  • Ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop practical engineering solutions and recommendations. 
  • Strong technical writing, briefing, and communication skills. 
  • Ability to work effectively with engineering, acquisition, operational, and spectrum-management stakeholders. 
  • Active secret clearance as required by the government contract 

Working Environment: 

eSimplicity supports a hybrid work environment operating within the Eastern time zone so we can work with and respond to our government clients. Expected hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern unless otherwise directed by your manager.  


Occasional travel for training and project meetings. It is estimated to be less than 5% per year.  Travel to the Pentagon in Arlington, VA will be required once per month.


Benefits:

eSimplicity offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, life and disability insurance, and additional wellness and employee support programs. Eligibility may vary based on employment status and applicable plan terms.


Reasonable Accommodation:

eSimplicity is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process. Applicants who need assistance or an accommodation should contact Human Resources.


Equal Employment Opportunity:

eSimplicity is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.