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Spectrum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Spectrum Engineer information

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$25.5K

$105.6K

$146.5K

How much do spectrum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for spectrum engineer in the United States is $105,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spectrum Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

What are Spectrum Engineers?

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.
More about Spectrum Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Spectrum Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Spectrum Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Spectrum Engineer jobs? The top employers for Spectrum Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Spectrum Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Spectrum Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Spectrum Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,647 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Junior Radio Frequency (RF) Electrical Engineer

Junior Radio Frequency (RF) Electrical Engineer

Leidos

Bowie, MD

$57K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services


Job description

Description

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks a Junior Electrical Engineer to support the FAA Spectrum Engineering Services Group.

The Spectrum Engineering Group is responsible for securing, managing, and protecting all civil aviation spectrum resources to ensure interference-free operation of FAA communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across the National Airspace System (NAS).

The ideal candidate will have an electrical engineering degree and up to two years of radio frequency engineering experience. This role performs engineering and coordinating of frequency assignment actions for primary surveillance radar systems, air-to-ground voice communication, Land mobile radio, microwave, satellite, and various other Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Engineering disciplines while ensuring compliance with FAA Order 6050.32 and NTIA Redbook requirements.

Must be near one of the following FAA locations:

FAA HQ (DC), Egg Harbor Township (NJ), or Oklahoma City

Core Responsibilities (All Bands):

  • Contributes to the planning, coordination, and execution of FAA and non-FAA frequency assignment actions, ensuring that technical analyses and documentation conform to FAA Orders, the NTIA Manual (Redbook), and established engineering standards.
  • Perform radio-frequency compatibility analyses using the FAA’s spectrum-automation and modeling tools to identify and mitigate potential interference among communications, navigation, and surveillance systems.
  • Conduct RF propagation, link-budget, EMC, and interference analyses using FAA spectrum-automation and modeling tools.
  • Validate all technical data (location, equipment, parameters, emission designator, power, bandwidth, and antenna characteristics) for completeness and accuracy.
  • Collaborates closely with other federal and contractor engineers, Service Area Spectrum Offices, and FAA program offices to resolve technical issues and advance records through the assignment and coordination process.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or completion of a formal spectrum management course or equivalent military experience in spectrum management.
  • Less than 2 years of relevant experience in radio frequency engineering.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to learn FAA-specific software and systems.
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Must have a security clearance of Secret or higher or be able to meet the requirements for one.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of spectrum-engineering principles, electromagnetic theory, and radio-frequency propagation as applied to communications, navigation, and surveillance systems that support the National Airspace System (NAS).
  • Experience in applying analytical and automation tools to perform frequency-assignment processing, data validation, and compatibility analysis, with attention to accuracy and completeness.
  • Experience evaluating radio-frequency system parameters to identify and mitigate potential interference and resolving routine and complex spectrum-engineering problems.
  • Familiar with Spectrum XXI or similar federal spectrum management tools is highly desirable.
  • Ability to perform engineering calculations (FSPL, link budgets, noise/interference ratios, power conversions).
  • Ability to interpret technical data and apply mitigation best practices to resolve RF interference issues affecting aviation systems.
  • Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of spectrum management within the National Airspace System (NAS).
  • Knowledge of frequency management practices, including engineering, assignment, and protection of radio frequencies, and the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) Redbook.
  • Knowledge of and experience with various frequency policy organizations, including National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), and associated sub-committees, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 4, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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