RF/Radio Communications Engineer (Multiple Levels) bei Noblis

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) Program Office is leading the modernization of the United States National Airspace System (NAS) by developing and deploying next-generation communication systems that integrate advanced voice, data, and radio frequency (RF) technologies. 

BNATCS is focused on delivering a unified, secure, and high-reliability communication architecture for air traffic control (ATC) operations nationwide. This includes integrating both wired and wireless communication paths—covering everything from air-to-ground radio links and radar transmissions to modern digital and IP-based data exchange—ensuring seamless propagation, interoperability, and operational continuity across the NAS. 

The BNATCS Program Office manages the full system lifecycle—from research and requirements development through acquisition, testing, and deployment—of communication technologies that utilize the electromagnetic spectrum for safe and efficient air traffic management. 

Position Overview 

The RF/Radio Communications Engineer will support the FAA BNATCS Program by providing expert-level knowledge in radio frequency theory, spectrum management, and propagation analysis for all systems that emit, transmit, or receive RF energy. This includes ATC radio systems, radar and navigation aids, aircraft and ground communication systems, cellular and Wi-Fi technologies, and emerging digital and broadband RF-based systems. 

This role will involve engineering design, modeling, and analysis of RF communications to ensure optimal system performance, minimal interference, and compliance with national and international frequency use regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of how RF energy propagates through the atmosphere under varying environmental and operational conditions. 

 Responsibilities 

• Provide technical expertise in RF communications and electromagnetic propagation as it relates to FAA BNATCS system development and integration. 

• Conduct RF analysis, modeling, and simulation to assess communication performance, coverage, interference, and frequency utilization. 

• Support the design, evaluation, and testing of radio-based ATC communication systems, including air-to-ground, ground-to-ground, and inter-facility links. 

• Evaluate signal propagation characteristics across the frequency spectrum, from low-frequency radio through microwave and millimeter-wave bands. 

• Contribute to system requirements development, interface definition, and architecture planning for RF and data communication systems within BNATCS. 

• Analyze RF link budgets, power requirements, antenna characteristics, and network configurations to optimize performance and reliability. 

• Support spectrum planning, allocation, and interference mitigation in accordance with FAA, FCC, and international regulatory frameworks. 

• Provide expertise in RF hardware and system integration, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and supporting infrastructure. 

• Develop and review technical documentation, test plans, engineering reports, and design verification materials. 

• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure coexistence of multiple RF systems, such as radio, radar, cellular, and Wi-Fi, without mutual interference. 

• Support safety and risk assessments to ensure that RF communication systems meet NAS operational and reliability requirements. 

• Strong background in RF engineering, communications theory, and electromagnetic propagation. 
• Experience with radio communication systems such as VHF/UHF transceivers, microwave links, cellular, Wi-Fi, or radar transmit/receive systems. 

• Knowledge of RF spectrum management, frequency coordination, and interference mitigation techniques. 

• Proficiency with RF modeling and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, HFSS, STK, CST, or equivalent). 

• Understanding of antenna design, placement, and pattern analysis. 

• Familiarity with analog and digital modulation schemes, signal processing, and link budget development. 

• Working knowledge of FAA or aviation communication systems highly desirable. 

• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, or related field (Master’s preferred). 

• U.S. citizenship or Green Card Permanent Resident (3+ years U.S. residency) 

Required Education and years   

Level I   

• 0-4 years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).  

Substitution: High school degree and 4-8 years would qualify 

 Salary Range: $65,200  - $101,950  

Level II   

• 5-9 years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).  

Substitution:    

• Masters degree with 3-7 years of experience would qualify   

• PHD degree with 0-4 years of experience would qualify   

• Highschool degree with 9-13 years total.    

Salary Range: $71,800  - $112,150  

Level III   

• 10-15 years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).  

Substitution:    

• Masters degree with 8-13 years of experience would qualify   

• PHD degree with 5-10 years of experience would qualify   

• Highschool degree with 14-19 years would qualify 

 Salary Range: $95,500  - $149,200  

Level IV   

• 16+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent work experience).  

Substitution:    

• Masters degree with 14+ years of experience would qualify   

• PHD degree with 11+ years of experience would qualify   

• Highschool degree with 20+ years would qualify.  

Salary Range: $115,500  - $180,525  

• Experience in air traffic control (ATC) communications or aviation RF systems. 

• Zusätzliche Nebenleistungen