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Spectrum Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate will have the ability to engineer, design, and execute spectrum management ... activities for tactical communications systems, demonstrating proficiency in overseeing the entire ...

Spectrum Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

The ideal candidate will have the ability to engineer, design, and execute spectrum management activities for tactical communications systems, demonstrating proficiency in overseeing the entire ...

Sr DoD Spectrum Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, RF engineering, systems engineering, physics, spectrum management, electronic warfare, operations research, or a related ...

Showing results 21-40

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 22, 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 RF Spectrum Policy Engineer - 28296

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Arlington, VA • On-site

$177K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,873 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number: 28296
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $177,815.00 - $185,000.00
Security Clearance: Secret
Level of Experience: Senior
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
Summary
HII's Mission Technologies is seeking a Senior RF Spectrum Policy Engineer to provide direct support to our Government customer, the Department of the Navy Chief Information Office in the area of national and international spectrum regulations, national and international policy, and registration and coordination.
HII's expertise in wireless communication includes 50+ years of performing RF Engineering for DoD, gov. agencies, and commercially both in the US and overseas, analyzing, and formatting spectrum data, including frequency assignment, spectrum certification, LiDAR, and other geo-referenced data. Our Scientists and Engineers support diverse tasks such as spectrum forensics and deconfliction, testing for coverage amid urban clutter, and antenna site planning. HII's RESED team offers opportunities from projects supporting international satellite coordination in space to countering IEDs. Our work is increasingly important in a world that depends on well-coordinated, interference-free spectrum access.
This is a hybrid opportunity with some onsite work required in Arlington, VA.
Compensation for this role will be determined by several factors, including years of experience and direct involvement in supporting energy initiatives. The position may require relocation and periodic onsite work. We welcome applicants from across the country, provided they are flexible and willing to relocate and work onsite as needed.
RF Engineer 2 - $91,213 - $130,304
RF Engineer 3 - $108,606 - $155,151
RF Engineer 4 - $129,850 - $185,500
What you will do
  • Actively participate in US and International ITU meetings leading up to the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) by preparing inputs, providing edits for others inputs and forming US positions on WRC Agenda Items of interest to the Government customer.
  • Produce written and oral reports.
  • Provide support to program offices by attending regular tag up meetings, directing the performance of analysis and developing requirements that will ensure the regulatory compliance of satellite systems.
  • Liaise with program offices to understand program current and future requirements.

What we are looking for (minimum qualifications)
  • Experience
    • RF Engineer 2 - 2 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 0 years experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience.
    • RF Engineer 3 - 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in realted field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
    • RF Engineer 4 - 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
    • RF Engineer 5 - 15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of Communication systems (to include link budgets, general radio theory and basic orbital mechanics)
  • Understanding of national and international spectrum policies and spectrum regulatory, registration and coordination processes
  • Familiarity with the ITU Radio Regulations and U.S. regulations
  • Familiarity with US and ITU input documentation for WRC related activities
  • Creative problem solving skills with acute attention to detail
  • Strong organization and communication skills
  • Ability to work well in a team environment
  • Clearance: An active SECRET security clearance

Preferred Requirements
  • Familiar with communications analysis software STK and Visualyse

Physical Requirements
May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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