This role pays less than
83%
of similar roles. Most pay
$158,087–$214,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$151k
versus about
$186k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About General Dynamics
General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation, ship construction, land combat vehicles, and information technology. It serves customers in the U.S. government, allied governments, and a diverse array of commercial markets.
General Dynamics currently has
1123 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$124,093–$150,385
across 984 roles with salary data.
As an RF Systems Engineer Sr. Principal, you will join the team to support Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems engineering for the Federal Aviation Administration. You will lead research, testing, evaluation, and spectrum analysis of UAS detection and mitigation technologies within active airport environments. Your daily responsibilities include leading radar testing across L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka bands using FMCW and pulse Doppler waveforms, performing precise RF measurements, and conducting interference testing to ensure spectral compliance. You will develop test plans, manage vendor systems during deployment, and translate complex data into performance specifications for aviation safety standards. Required skills include expertise in radio frequency engineering, radar, and spectrum management using spectrum analyzers. The role requires proficiency in technical writing and tools like MATLAB or Python to solve critical aviation safety and airspace protection challenges.
Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical (preferred) or other technical discipline.
Non-U.S. degrees must be ABET accredited.
10+ years of progressive engineering experience in RF, radar, or spectrum management.
Experience using spectrum analyzers and related equipment to test and characterize complex RF devices for FCC/NTIA compliance.
Demonstrated success in conducting open-air RF/spectrum data collection.
Ability to obtain an FAA Suitability clearance and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience developing or executing structured test plans for aviation or defense technologies (preferred); proficiency with MATLAB, Python, JMP, or advanced Excel (preferred).
RF Engineering
ADS
HFSS
CST Studio Suite
SPICE
MATLAB
Python
Electromagnetics
Circuit Design
Impedance Matching
Transmission Line Theory
Power Electronics
Plasma Processing
PECVD
CVD
Etch
Systems Engineering
CAE
Analog Circuit Design
High Voltage DC Power Systems
SPICE
Cadence
Mentor Graphics
Altium
Prototyping
Magnetics
High Speed Design
Spectrum Analyzers
Oscilloscopes
R&D
Python
C++
DSP
FPGA
VNA
VSG
VSA
Spectrum Analyzers
Electromagnetic Simulation
Integration Testing
Configuration Management
Version Control
Linux
Windows
S-parameters