Satellite Systems Engineer

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Labor Category: Satellite Systems Engineer

Clearance Level: TS/SCI w/ FS Poly required

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled Satellite Systems Engineer to support mission-critical satellite operations within both intelligence and commercial sectors. This role requires expertise in satellite communications (SATCOM), RF spectrum management, and link analysis to ensure optimal satellite performance. The ideal candidate will work alongside satellite operators and technical teams to design, analyze, and optimize satellite communications systems while ensuring compliance with regulatory and security requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Spectrum Management: Manage satellite frequency spectrum, collaborating with operators to determine carrier frequency, power levels, and transmission parameters. Conduct satellite link budget analysis, optimizing system performance based on data rate, modulation schemes, and environmental factors. Monitor power equivalent bandwidth utilization, identifying inefficiencies and reporting findings to stakeholders.

  • System Design and Integration: Develop detailed recommendations for satellite system enhancements based on RF propagation modeling and link performance analysis. Support the design, integration, and testing of satellite communication systems, including ground station operations. Provide expertise in RF interference analysis, mitigation strategies, and signal integrity assessments.

  • Technical Documentation: Draft technical documentation, requirements, and compliance reports in accordance with industry standards and government policies. Stay updated on emerging satellite technologies, regulatory changes, and cybersecurity threats impacting satellite communications.

  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including network engineers, software developers, and mission planners, to ensure seamless integration of satellite systems.

Required Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizenship required.

  • Active TS/SCI with FS Polygraph (required, no exceptions).

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

  • 5+ years of experience in satellite communications, RF engineering, or systems engineering. Strong understanding of satellite frequency management, link budgeting, and signal processing.

  • Experience with modulation schemes, waveform analysis, and RF propagation modeling.

  • Knowledge of SATCOM architectures, including GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations.

  • Proficiency in RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, etc.).

  • Familiarity with ITU, FCC, and DoD regulations governing satellite communications.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex system data.

  • Excellent technical writing skills for documentation and compliance reporting.

Preferred Qualifications & Certifications:

  • Master’s degree in a related field.

  • Certifications such as Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or RF Engineering Certifications.

  • Experience with software-defined radios (SDRs), signal processing tools (MATLAB, STK, GNURadio), and spectrum management software.

  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles related to satellite systems and space-based assets.

  • Familiarity with DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) SATCOM requirements.

Experience Levels:

  • Full Performance: 3+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

  • Senior: 6+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

  • Expert: 11+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

  • Subject Matter Expert: 16+ years of experience plus a bachelor’s degree.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

IT Availability LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.