Lead Integration & Test Engineer

Job Description We are seeking a Senior Integration & Test (I&T) Lead Engineer to direct the functional and performance verification of advanced radar front-ends and digital back-ends.

This position requires deep technical expertise in antenna theory, RF propagation, electromagnetic performance, and system-level antenna integration. The selected candidate will lead all antenna-focused integration and test activities, ensure compliance with contractual and military performance requirements and drive antenna systems performance from prototype through production and deployment. This role requires a deep understanding of radar waveforms, RF chain analysis, and the DoD’s rigorous verification and validation (V&V) standards.
This Senior I&T Lead will function as the program’s subject matter expert (SME) for antenna performance, test methodology, and RF validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for the RF integration between phased array apertures and digital receiver/exciter (DREX)
• Execute the end-to-end integration and synchronization of the phased array aperture with the digital receiver/exciter
• Lead performance verification of high-speed data throughput, phase-stable performance across all operating modes, and proper signal chain alignment
• Define and execute test plans for critical radar metrics and own verification of antenna and radar RF performance including gain, radiation patterns, sidelobe levels, beam steering accuracy, polarization, bandwidth, and system sensitivity
• Evaluate antenna to DREX interface performance including signal integrity, phase coherence, timing synchronization, calibration, and dynamic range
• Support integration of digital beamforming and waveform generation capabilities with antenna array performance
• Develop and approve antenna and RF test strategies, including chamber testing, near-field/far-field measurements, and system-level radar validation
• Direct execution of RF performance testing using advanced instrumentation (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generators, phased-array test systems, compact range facilities)
• Lead troubleshooting efforts involving antenna performance degradation, DREX signal distortion, EMI/EMC interactions, or integration anomalies
• Correlate measured antenna and radar performance data with EM and system-level simulation models
• Ensure compliance with applicable MIL-STD environmental and EMI/EMC requirements (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461)
• Provide technical leadership during program milestones such as PDR, CDR, & TRR
• Interface directly with government stakeholders regarding antenna and DREX performance, risk mitigation, and technical readiness
• Mentor junior RF, antenna, and integration engineers

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline (Master’s preferred with focus in Electromagnetics, RF systems, or Signal Processing)
• 8+ years of experience in antenna engineering, radar systems, RF integration, or system-level test
• Demonstrated experience integrating antenna arrays with DREX or similar digital radar front-end architectures
• Strong understanding of radar signal chains including waveform generation, receive path processing, phase control, and calibration
• Hands-on experience conducting antenna and radar measurements in anechoic chamber or controlled test environments
• Proficiency operating RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meters, array test systems)
• Experience supporting DOD or government radar programs
• Must be able to obtain a Secret clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience with phased arrays, AESA systems, and digital beamforming architectures
• Experience supporting airborne, naval, or ground-based radar platforms
• Familiarity with calibration techniques for phased array and DREX-based systems
• Experience evaluating phase noise, spurious emissions, and signal integrity in digital RF architectures
• Experience briefing radar system performance to government customers.
• Deep technical authority in antenna-to-radar signal chain integration
• Strong understanding of both electromagnetic performance and digital RF processing
• Advanced troubleshooting capability across RF and digital domains
• Systems-level mindset bridging antenna hardware and digital receiver/exciter architectures
• Excellent communication skills

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.