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Working at Lockheed Martin

Senior Communications / RF Engineer

San Diego, California

San Diego, California

Job Responsibilities

Job ID: 723963BR Date posted: Apr. 08, 2026
Description:WHAT WE’RE DOING
Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems’ External Communications (EXCOMM) team is looking for a proven and experienced technical leader to support the design and development of shipboard communications systems for multiple small ships programs. The EXCOMM team delivers an integrated communications suite consisting of COTS software-defined radios, signal amplifiers, RF distribution/switching, system monitoring, secure digital voice, and data communications switching. As a technical expert on RF and communication systems, you will work with team leads to ensure effective system design, seamless integration, and rigorous testing and verification including troubleshooting efforts. Your technical background and strong leadership skills, will position you as an emerging leader for the team and help shape system design to keep the program on track for success.

THE WORK
As a senior RF and Communications System Engineer, you will be responsible for the following:
• Lead the design, analysis, integration, and sustainment of ship‑board communication systems.
• Contribute to the development of the overall system architecture by creating high level block diagrams, interface control documents, and integration plans that satisfy customer requirements.
• Develop comprehensive ship board integration and test procedures, including test plan to validate RF communications performance.
• Conduct trade studies and dynamic analysis to assess alternative products and/or improve system performance.
• Interface with external vendors for component procurement, specification clarification, and testing support
• Prepare and lead customer working groups, technical interchanges, and live demonstrations to showcase system design and validate system performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, systems, software, etc.) to ensure integrated solutions meet overall program objectives.

WHO WE ARE
On this team, you will collaborate with a diverse, geographically separated team of technical professionals including, software developers, systems engineers, and integration and test engineers. You will work with cross-functional team in a highly dynamic mission-focused environment.

WHO YOU ARE
• A talented engineer who possesses a strong RF and communication systems background
• A proven leader with experience in guiding high-performing teams, providing vision, direction, and expertise to drive technical development
• A strong communicator with ability to effectively convey complex technical information to diverse stakeholders, including team members, customers, and senior leadership
• An individual who is committed to delivering high quality, cutting edge technology to be used by our customers and allies across the country and world.

WHY JOIN US
In this role, you will continue to grow your technical foundation through involvement in emerging technologies, as well as gain a deep understanding of the international regulation and policy. This role presents a rare opportunity to work across Lockheed Martin Business Areas, work with US and foreign customers & interact with all levels of program management. Having these experiences will set you on a career track for Engineering Program Management, Program Management, or ITC Engineering.
Joining our team offers you the opportunity to support a join a company and a team where your contributions are valued and you can develop your skills and expertise.

Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s competitive and comprehensive benefits package.
Basic Qualifications:
• Demonstrated knowledge in RF communications systems, wireless communications, networking, and computing environments.
• Experience designing end-to-end performance and functionality of RF communication systems
• Proficiency at developing necessary RF design artifacts to ensure product development compliance to all customer requirements
• Previous systems engineering experience, including requirements and architecture development, authoring technical documentation, and familiarity with common SE tools (DOORS, Rhapsody, Cameo, EPDM, IDPME, Visio)
• Experience in integration of HW/SW products, system integration and test and troubleshooting systems.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, and familiarity with agile development.
• Ability to work independently with minimum technical direction and drive technical issues to resolution
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with management and peers
Desired Skills:
• Navy or ship operational RF experience, Radio operator, COMSEC experience
• Experience with legacy Navy/DOD communication equipment
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in RF – software programmable radios / VOIP conversion etc.
• Proficiency in RF modeling and simulation
• Proficiency with RF measurement techniques and test equipment
• Experience with defining external interfaces for antennas, active/passive RF components, receivers/transmitters, and digital processors
• Experience leading multi-discipline development teams and demonstrated ability to manage cost and schedule
• Experience with shipboard integration & test (I&T) activities, including integration, verification, and validation of hardware and software based communication systems.
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Secret
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Part-time Remote Telework: The employee selected for this position will work part of their work schedule remotely and part of their work schedule at a designated Lockheed Martin facility. The specific weekly schedule will be discussed during the hiring process.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: 4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $89,300 - $157,550. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $102,800 - $178,135. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.

With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.

If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: RMS
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Systems Engineering: Other
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First
Apply Now

About

At Lockheed Martin, we apply our passion for purposeful innovation to keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges.

Pioneering Defense Technology: From aerospace to outer space to cyber space, you can innovate mission solutions alongside the best minds in the business.

United By Culture: Excellence, integrity, and collaboration define us. We accelerate change and embrace one another’s perspectives to win for our customers.

Real Impact, Real Growth: Grow your career and skills for life. Our wide array of opportunities and technology-driven learning programs enable your development and agility.

Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life: Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules designed so you thrive — at work and beyond.

Empowered to Be Your Best: Use your strengths to make a difference in the lives of one another, our customers, our communities, and our planet.

Here, the possibilities are endless because we offer:

  • Flexible Schedules, dependent on role
  • Levels: Student, Entry, Mid, Senior, Management
  • Locations: Nationwide & OCONUS Positions

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Qualifications

See what it takes to be a successful Lockheed Martin employee.

  • Collaborative

    There is no innovation without imagination. You bring new, different and exciting ideas to the table every day. You are committed to the success of your team.

  • Curious

    The ability to explore and drive new ideas. You think innovatively to come up with creative solutions to complex challenges.

  • Goal-oriented

    From planning and organizing to decision making, goal orientation produces impactful results. You set goals and strive to make things happen quickly and efficiently.

  • Proactive

    The ability to anticipate, plan and prepare for what lies ahead. You act rather than react to potential situations.

  • Problem Solver

    You work to tackle tough problems with complex solutions.

  • Strategic

    You observe, reflect and analyze processes to make more informed decisions.

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Quote

“Before I came to Lockheed Martin, I never thought I’d get these opportunities. The benefits available and the company’s value culture make it an incredibly supportive place to work, and I’m grateful to work somewhere that wants me to succeed. I hope to have a long career here making an impact, and I know I’ll be supported in doing that every step of the way.”

Ryan J., Enterprise Operations

Benefits

  • Healthcare

    Medical, Dental and Vision coverage is available for employees who opt-in.

  • 401(k)/Retirement Plans

    Our 401(k) plan features generous matching and company contributions.

  • Professional Development

    We support our employees through mentoring, internal & external educational programs, networking, skills enhancement and career-building programs.

  • Maternity and Paternity Leave

    Our generous parental leave policies support your journey into parenthood. When you return to work, our facilities offer mother's rooms to support your transition and work/life balance.

  • Paid Time Off

    We offer PTO, paid holidays and paid time off for jury duty and military obligations.

  • Flex-time

    Depending on the position, we offer flexible work schedules.

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