Lead RF Systems Engineer

Description:

About Chartis Federal

Chartis Federal is a premier systems engineering and integration firm specializing in mission-critical IT and communications solutions for law enforcement, homeland security, and defense. As a trusted prime contractor with over $160 million in task order awards, we operate across 22 states and support essential government missions worldwide.

Our commitment to excellence has fueled our year-over-year growth, earning us recognition twice as a Washington Technology FAST 50 company and securing a place on the Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years. At Chartis Federal, our mission is clear: keeping heroes safe and connected—on the battlefield, on the border, and in our backyards.

Position Overview

The Lead RF Systems Engineer will serve as the primary RF engineering execution lead for the eCOMM VI P-25 Digital Trunked Land Mobile Radio (LMR) modernization across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John

This role is responsible for RF design implementation, coverage modeling, drive testing, antenna configuration, and system optimization to ensure reliable, interoperable public safety communications across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Lead RF Systems Engineer works under the technical direction of the Chief Systems Engineer and in coordination with the Program Manager and Deputy PM.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

RF Design & Coverage Modeling

• Develop RF propagation models and coverage maps for P-25 Digital LMR system deployment.
• Conduct and analyze RF coverage drive testing.
• Perform carrier frequency analysis and interference mitigation planning.
• Support FCC licensing data preparation.

Site Surveys & Field Engineering

• Conduct on-site technical surveys for tower and antenna placement.
• Support site acquisition technical evaluations.
• Validate antenna height, azimuth, tilt, and waveguide/coaxial configurations.
• Participate in geotechnical and structural coordination meetings as needed.

Installation Support & Validation

• Provide technical guidance during installation of:
  • Antennas and waveguide systems
  • Microwave radio terminals
  • DC power systems
  • MPLS network components
• Validate antenna sweep results.
• Ensure RF configurations meet engineered specifications.

Optimization & Performance Testing

• Lead RF optimization following installation.
• Analyze signal strength, coverage gaps, and reliability metrics.
• Conduct interoperability testing between islands.
• Support parallel operations during migration from legacy analog LMR to P-25 digital system
• Provide technical certification input prior to system cutover.

Documentation & Technical Reporting

• Develop coverage reports, drive test reports, and performance validation documentation.
• Provide technical updates to Chief Systems Engineer and Program Manager.
• Contribute to final technical documentation and handover package.

Requirements:

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in RF engineering within radio telecommunications.
• Hands-on experience designing or implementing a P-25 Digital LMR Network.
• Experience conducting RF coverage modeling and drive testing.
• Experience with microwave backhaul integration.
• Experience supporting multi-site public safety communications deployments.
• Familiarity with FCC regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license (preferred)
• Advanced RF or telecommunications certifications.
• Experience working in geographically distributed or island environments.
• Experience supporting public safety modernization initiatives.

Why Join Chartis Federal?

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement plans with company contributions
• Professional development opportunities and career growth support
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued

At Chartis Federal, we believe in fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation while supporting critical national security missions. Join us in shaping the future of government contracting and national security solutions.

Chartis Federal is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employs qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other classification proscribed under applicable law. We participate in E-Verify.