Lead RF Systems Engineer
The MITRE Corporation · Colorado Springs, CO
$146,400–$219,600from the description
Jul 16, 2026
Colorado Springs, CO
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A systems engineering role focused on RF and wireless communications technologies in support of U.S. Special Operations Forces. Day-to-day work involves evaluating and integrating RF-enabled systems, conducting lab and field testing, analyzing system performance, and producing technical reports that inform acquisition and capability development decisions. Best suited to engineers with a background in RF systems, tactical communications, or sensor integration who hold an active Top Secret clearance.
Senior level · 8+ years · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV · Top Secret clearance · Full-time
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
Posted 2 times — it's one opening, so apply once.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
How this req sits in the market our data
Rare in this occupation — lead with these, and say what you built with them.
What the occupation pays Median $129,834 (middle half $101,882–$164,857). This posting is about at that midpoint.
Estimated from BLS employment for this occupation and area, per-skill prevalence across our listing corpus, and published wage benchmarks — as of Jul 28, 2026. It is a model, not a headcount.
Why we read it this way (11)
The role title is 'Systems Engineer' with no seniority modifier, but the 8-year minimum experience requirement and scope of responsibilities (leading evaluations, informing acquisition decisions, engaging senior military leaders) support a Senior classification.
SOC classification is Medium confidence: the role is a systems engineering position focused on RF/communications technology evaluation and integration for a government FFRDC, which sits between 15-1211 (Computer Systems Analysts) and 15-1299 (Computer Occupations, All Other). It is not primarily software development, so 15-1252 was not chosen.
The JD requires a minimum active Top Secret clearance at hire; TS/SCI must be obtained within one year — the hard gate at hire is Top Secret.
Degree requirement is set to None because the JD explicitly accepts 'an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience' in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
The overall years minimum of 8 reflects the primary path (8 years + Bachelor's); the JD also accepts 6 years with a Master's or 3 years with a PhD.
The salary range shown ($146,400–$219,600) includes a midpoint of $183,000; the full range is captured in min/max.
RF propagation and wireless networking appear in the required qualifications section alongside antenna systems and spectrum management; they are captured under the broader RF systems engineering and wireless communications skills rather than duplicated as separate entries.
MBSE, SysML/Cameo, SATCOM, modeling and simulation, and cybersecurity all appear under Preferred Qualifications.
The position requires a minimum of 4 days per week on-site; it is not fully remote.
Ignored 2 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): RF systems engineering, spectrum management.
Requires a Top Secret clearance — the cleared population is a small fraction of this occupation, so the real candidate pool is materially smaller than the estimate below, which does not model clearance.
Read the full posting
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