Principal Systems Engineer - RF/SATCOM

TalentRemedy • Herndon, VA

18h

About The Position

An innovative space technology organization is seeking a highly experienced Principal Systems Engineer – RF/SATCOM to lead end-to-end satellite communications system architecture and integration efforts. This role requires deep expertise in RF systems engineering across GEO, MEO, and LEO architectures, including link budget development, waveform optimization, antenna design, and ground terminal hardware integration. The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical foundations with hands-on RF lab experience and the ability to architect complete system solutions supporting mission-critical government and defense communications. This position requires an active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph and willingness to travel up to 10%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience in RF systems design and satellite communications engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
• Waveform analysis (QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM)
• Forward Error Correction (FEC)
• Spectral efficiency optimization
• Link robustness modeling
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Link budgets
• Modulation schemes
• Antenna performance
• Ground terminal subsystems
• Experience with RF lab measurement tools and SDR platforms.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI polygraph (within last 10 years).
• Prior experience supporting military or government communications systems.
• Knowledge of mesh networking, adaptive communications, spectrum management, digital IF, and signal processing techniques.
• Familiarity with advanced or non-traditional RF sensing technologies.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to lead and mentor junior engineers.
• Experience producing technical documentation (architectures, ICDs, test reports).
• Strong cross-domain troubleshooting skills (RF, networking, integration).
• Experience supporting system deployment, fielding, and sustainment.
• Ability to conduct technical trade studies and cost/performance analyses.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity considerations for RF/SATCOM systems.
• Experience collaborating with vendors and hardware integration partners.
• Adaptability to new satellite platforms, waveforms, and mission concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end RF and SATCOM systems engineering including:
• Link budget development
• Propagation modeling
• EIRP/G/T calculations
• Noise figure optimization
• Design, integrate, and validate SATCOM systems across GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations.
• Architect and integrate ground terminal hardware including:
• RF front-ends
• Antennas (phased arrays, reflectors, flat panels)
• Modems
• BUCs and LNBs
• Apply antenna theory for beam steering, polarization control, precision tracking, and high-performance RF architectures.
• Utilize Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and digital IF architectures for system prototyping, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct RF testing using spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other lab instrumentation; interpret and analyze measurement results.
• Ensure interoperability between SATCOM and terrestrial infrastructure (TCP/IP, VLAN, QoS).
• Apply mesh networking and adaptive communications concepts to optimize routing, latency, frequency reuse, and spectrum efficiency.
• Support mission-critical government and military communications through rigorous engineering analysis and technical problem solving.

Benefits

• The organization offers a competitive base salary, performance-based bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
• Compensation is based on experience, education, technical depth, and overall alignment with role requirements.
• Candidates may be considered at adjacent levels depending on qualifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal