RF Data Engineer
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Job Description:
Parsons is seeking an RF Data Engineer with specialized expertise in DoD spectrum management, regulatory compliance, and data engineering to support our cutting-edge Drone Armor counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) program. This critical role requires extensive experience in military spectrum certification processes combined with advanced data science capabilities to ensure Done Armor systems operate effectively within complex electromagnetic environments while maintaining regulatory compliance.
What You'll Be Doing:
RF Spectrum Analysis & Management
- Analyze RF spectrum data to identify and characterize drone communication signatures and control frequencies
- Develop and maintain spectrum certification documentation supporting Drone Armor system deployments
- Coordinate frequency assignments and deconfliction efforts with military and civilian spectrum management authorities
- Generate technical documentation including DD Form 1494 for Drone Armor RF operations
- Conduct electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis for C-UAS operations
Data Engineering & Analytics
- Design and implement data pipelines for real-time RF signal collection, processing, and analysis from Drone Armor sensors
- Develop machine learning models to improve drone detection accuracy and reduce false alarm rates
- Create data visualization dashboards for operational monitoring and system performance assessment
- Apply advanced analytics to RF spectrum data to identify emerging drone threats and communication protocols
- Implement cloud-based data architectures for scalable storage and processing of RF sensor data
System Integration & Testing
- Support field testing and evaluation of Drone Armor systems in operational environments
- Perform frequency-dependent analysis to assess system effectiveness across various RF bands
- Collaborate with software development teams to integrate RF data processing algorithms
- Utilize spectrum databases (Spectrum XXI, JSDR, EL-CID) to support deployment planning
- Conduct Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessments (SSRAs) for Drone Armor acquisitions
Technical Documentation & Coordination
- Prepare technical reports documenting RF performance, spectrum utilization, and system capabilities
- Support Host Nation Coordination activities for international Drone Armor deployments
- Assist with Equipment Spectrum Certification processes per AR 5-12 and DoD 5000.1
- Maintain awareness of evolving drone technologies and RF communication standards
What Required Skills You'll Bring:
Education
- Master’s degree in computer science, electronics engineering OR other engineering or technical discipline is required with 10 yrs of experience OR 10 years of relevant RF/data engineering experience may be substituted for education
Experience
- Minimum ten (10) years of experience with Department of Defense (DoD) spectrum management policy, certification, and documentation
- Minimum eight (8) years of experience in generating DD Form 1494 and reviewing detailed spectrum certification documents
- Minimum four (4) years of experience with data engineering, data analytics, or software development
Technical Competencies
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, R, or similar for data analysis
- Experience with RF measurement equipment and spectrum analyzers
- Knowledge of wireless communication protocols and RF propagation principles
- Familiarity with DoD spectrum management policies and procedures
- Understanding of data engineering principles including ETL processes, data modeling, and database management
- Experience with cloud technology platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their application to data engineering workflows
- Understanding of data mesh architectures and data tagging methodologoies
- Familiarity with electronic phenomena principles as they relate to RF systems and spectrum management
Security & Citizenship
- Must be a US Citizen
- SECRET security clearance is required
What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
Advanced Education & Certifications
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline
- Professional certifications in data science, cloud computing (AWS/Azure/GCP), or RF engineering
Specialized Experience
- Experience with counter-drone technologies, electronic warfare, or signals intelligence (SIGINT)
- Knowledge of commercial and military drone RF signatures and communication protocols
- Experience with machine learning/AI applications for RF signal classification
- Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and development
- Knowledge of NTIA Redbook, ITU regulations, and CJCSM 3320.01
Advanced Technical Skills
- Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka) for RF data processing
- Proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for data engineering workflows
- Experience with data mesh architectures and modern data governance practices
- Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and DevOps practices
- Experience with real-time data streaming and edge computing applications
- Familiarity with digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and algorithms
- Experience with software coding for data interoperability between DoD spectrum management systems
Database & Tools Experience
- Experience accessing spectrum databases: Spectrum XXI, HNSWDO, JSDR, Stepstone, EL-CID
- Proficiency with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Grafana)
- Experience with version control systems (Git) and collaborative development environments
Analytical Capabilities
- Experience performing Frequency Dependent Rejection and Frequency Distance Separation Analysis
- Knowledge of statistical analysis and hypothesis testing methodologies
- Experience with electromagnetic modeling and simulation tools
Work Location:
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (with potential travel to test sites and customer locations)
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.
COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS
Financial Wellness
We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.
Work Life Harmony
Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.
Career Development
We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.
Veteran Support
We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.
Mind & Body
At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.
Health
Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.

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