Systems Engineer I - Advanced Airborne RF Sensors (Onsite) with Security Clearance
The Systems Engineer I role at Confidential Client supports integration, verification, and troubleshooting of advanced airborne RF sensor systems through lab and field testing. This entry-level position involves collaboration across engineering teams to ensure system functionality, perform root cause analysis, and support product lifecycle activities including flight testing and deployment. The role requires active DoD Top Secret clearance and is based onsite in Plano, TX, with occasional travel.
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, Aerospace & Defense.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Summary
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Systems Engineer I to support Advanced Airborne RF Sensors integration, verification, and test in Plano, TX. This onsite role supports airborne RF sensor systems across lab, field, and flight-test environments. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance are required.
What You’ll Do
- Support planning and execution of integration, verification, qualification, and troubleshooting test activities in lab, field, or depot environments.
- Operate and apply common test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, telemetry capture tools) to collect and analyze performance data.
- Support Radar mode requirement development, engineering testing, system integration, and flight-testing.
- Perform failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and implement corrective actions or minor design changes.
- Use analysis tools (MATLAB, Python) to compile performance evaluations, automate data processing, and prepare briefings and technical reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain engineering specifications, drawings, and test databases; coordinate technical resolutions with cross-functional engineering teams.
- Participate in team meetings, working groups, and reviews; support process implementation and continuous improvement.
- Travel for test events as needed (typically not to exceed 20%).
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications You Must Have:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting electronics (academic projects, internships, research, or on-the-job) using commercial test equipment (oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, etc.).
- Experience using MS Office and data-analysis/scripting tools such as MATLAB or Python for data processing and automation.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance; active clearance preferred.
Qualifications We Prefer:
- Experience with Radar or RF engineering and airborne sensor systems.
- Experience capturing telemetry or real-time data and using telemetry collection systems.
- Familiarity with electrical schematics, interface control documents, and communications protocols.
- Exposure to embedded software integration (C/C++, C#) and integrating software routines with hardware.
- Experience working with instrumentation, large datasets, and scripting for automated data collection and analysis.
- Prior internship, co‑op, or relevant work experience in integration and test.
Location, Work Type & Compensation
- Location: Plano, TX (onsite). Test events may require travel up to ~20%.
- Work type: Onsite, full-time.
- Security clearance: DoD Top Secret required. Active/existing clearance preferred.
- Salary range (good-faith estimate): $62,900 — $119,700 USD per year. Pay offered will depend on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.
- Relocation eligibility and standard benefits may apply (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, etc.) depending on business unit and role.
Why Join Confidential Client (Aerospace & Defense)
- Work on complex, mission-critical airborne RF sensor systems that support national defense and allied operations.
- Gain broad systems exposure — hardware, software, test, and field deployment — early in your career.
- Learn and apply modern engineering methods including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Agile practices.
- Collaborative team culture focused on safety, respect, accountability, and innovation.
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range