Systems Engineer - Air to Ground
The Systems Engineer - Air to Ground at Confidential Client supports the integration, testing, and development of radar systems and subsystems for air-to-ground applications. This role involves requirements analysis, system specification development, radar performance analysis using MATLAB or Python, and collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure system functionality and compliance with technical requirements. The position requires an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance and is based 100% on-site in Linthicum, MD.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a Systems Engineer (Air-to-Ground) to support Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) for radar and sensor programs. This is an on-site, full-time opportunity in Baltimore, MD.
- Assist with requirements analysis, allocation, and documentation for radar system and subsystem functions (e.g., SAR, ISAR, GMTI/T, Targeting, Weather, Surface Return, Sea Surface Search, Ship Track).
- Help develop and maintain system/subsystem specifications and interface control documents (ICDs).
- Prepare material for technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) — analyses, figures, and supporting documentation.
- Use MATLAB, Python, or similar tools to perform radar performance analyses (range, resolution, SNR) and support algorithm evaluation.
- Support lab and field test planning and execution for radar systems and subsystems.
- Collect, reduce, and perform basic analysis of test data to verify performance against requirements.
- Collaborate with RF, hardware, software, and systems engineers to ensure requirements are implemented consistently.
Qualifications
Basic requirements (must meet these):
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field plus 2 years of relevant experience, OR Master’s degree with 0 years of experience. An additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance.
- Ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) access.
- Experience with radar air-to-ground applications or project experience with radar/RF/advanced sensors (coursework, capstone, internships).
- Practical experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation.
- Understanding of radar fundamentals (waveforms, Doppler, range, resolution).
- Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills and ability to work on cross-disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline.
- Exposure to systems engineering tools or model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
- Understanding of RF hardware concepts (antennas, T/R modules, beamforming).
- Prior experience supporting integration, test, or field test activities for radar systems.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $87,600 — $131,400 per year (base). Final offer will reflect candidate experience, skills, and market factors.
- Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include health plans, retirement/savings plans, paid time off, education assistance, training and development, and other employee benefits.
- Additional pay elements (overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus) may apply depending on role and assignment.
Security & Eligibility
- This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
- U.S. Citizenship is required for clearance and program access.
- Confidential Client will follow applicable federal and state laws when processing applications and handling candidate data.
Location & Work Type
- Work location: Baltimore, MD (on-site; position requires working on-site in the Baltimore area).
- Travel: Up to ~10% travel as required for lab/field tests or program needs.
Why Join
- Work on mission-critical radar and sensor systems for a leading engineering-focused client.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams solving real-world sensing and integration challenges.
- Opportunity to grow technically and contribute to systems that operate across multiple platforms and environments.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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