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Spectrum Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Spectrum Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$105K - $165K/yr

This position will work closely with spectrum management organizations, acquisition and engineering teams, operational organizations, and military, federal, local, and host-nation authorities to ...

Demonstrated experience in spectrum management, RF analysis, electronic warfare, communications systems, or electromagnetic spectrum operations. * Experience with enterprise data integration and ...

RF Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Graduate of a DoD Inter-service Radio Frequency Management School (or DoD equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years RF or spectrum management experience * Active DoD Secret security clearance required ...

RF Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$165 - $185/hr

Graduate of a DoD Inter-service Radio Frequency Management School (or DoD equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years RF or spectrum management experience * Active DoD Secret security clearance required ...

Showing results 21-40

Spectrum Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$24.3K

$59K

$115K

How much do spectrum manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for spectrum manager in Virginia is $59,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,600.00 and $67,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a spectrum manager?

Spectrum Managers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and regulating the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes radio frequencies used for communication systems like television, radio, cellular networks, and emergency services. They ensure that spectrum resources are allocated efficiently and do not interfere with each other, supporting both public and private sector communications. Spectrum Managers often work for government agencies, telecommunications companies, or large organizations that rely on wireless communication. Their duties may include licensing, interference resolution, compliance monitoring, and coordinating with international bodies. Effective spectrum management is crucial for maintaining reliable and secure wireless communication.

How does a spectrum manager typically collaborate with regulatory bodies and internal teams to ensure compliance and optimal spectrum usage?

Spectrum Managers work closely with both regulatory authorities and internal technical teams to ensure that all spectrum use complies with national and international regulations. They routinely coordinate with legal and compliance departments to stay updated on regulatory changes, and with engineering teams to plan frequency allocations that avoid interference. Effective collaboration often involves attending industry meetings, preparing detailed reports, and facilitating communication between stakeholders to resolve any spectrum-related issues. This role is essential for maintaining seamless operations and ensuring the organization's spectrum assets are used efficiently and lawfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spectrum manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spectrum Manager, you need expertise in radio frequency (RF) engineering, spectrum policy, and regulatory compliance, usually backed by a degree in engineering or telecommunications. Familiarity with spectrum management tools, RF analysis software, and knowledge of international and national regulatory frameworks is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help navigate complex technical and regulatory environments. These skills ensure efficient allocation and protection of spectrum resources, compliance with legal standards, and effective coordination among stakeholders.

What is the difference between Spectrum Manager vs RF Engineer?

AspectSpectrum ManagerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in telecommunications, electronics, or related field; certifications like FCC license often preferredBachelor's or higher in electrical engineering or related; RF certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; involves planning and managing spectrum resourcesField and office work; focuses on designing and testing RF systems
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom companies, government agencies, network providersTelecom, defense, aerospace, and electronics industries

While both roles involve telecommunications and radio frequency concepts, a Spectrum Manager primarily oversees spectrum allocation and compliance, whereas an RF Engineer designs and tests RF systems. The Spectrum Manager focuses on spectrum planning and regulation, while the RF Engineer emphasizes technical system development.

How to become a Spectrum Manager?

To become a Spectrum Manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, or a related field, along with experience in radio frequency management or wireless networks. Certifications such as the Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) or FCC licensing can enhance qualifications, and strong analytical, technical, and communication skills are essential for managing spectrum resources effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Spectrum jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Spectrum jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Spectrum Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Spectrum Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Spectrum Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Spectrum Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Spectrum Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,014 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Spectrum Engineer/Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Leidos

Annandale, VA • On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 496 rated business services


Job description

Description

Leidos’ NISC IV program seeks a Spectrum 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 or other training and at least 2 years of spectrum engineering and/or 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.

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.

  • 2+ years of relevant experience in radio frequency engineering and/or spectrum 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:August 21, 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 $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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