SATCOM Systems Engineer (Hybrid- Aberdeen, Maryland)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced SATCOM Systems Engineer to serve as the technical lead on development programs focused on RF and SATCOM systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for a cross-functional development team, providing day-to-day technical direction and assigning daily and weekly engineering tasks.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) definition, task scheduling, and resource allocation to support program milestones.
• Author and maintain systems engineering documents throughout the program lifecycle, including but not limited to: system requirements documents, design documents, block diagrams, RF link cascades, and hardware and software Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Lead systems-level architecture and integration efforts for Fairwinds-developed components that integrate with or enhance existing SATCOM terminals, modems, and RF ground architectures.
• Support design, integration, and testing of Fairwinds solutions into DoD SATCOM C, X, Ku, and Ka terminals.
• Apply MIL-STD-188-164B (SATCOM terminals) and MIL-STD-188-165B (SATCOM modems) to system design, compliance verification, and configuration activities.
• Affiliate with test engineers with the development of Test Plans and Test Procedures for SATCOM systems.
• Affiliate with test engineers with the development of automated test scripts using Python.
• Collaborate with DSP and FPGA engineers on signal processing aspects of SATCOM.
• Basic understanding of FPGAs and signal processing concepts as they relate to SATCOM waveform processing.
• Perform system-level analysis and produce technical documentation of SATCOM architectures and configurations.
• Support system integration activities in both lab and field environments.
• Lead and participate in design reviews, technical exchanges, system demos, and customer meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience working with DoD SATCOM systems in a design, integration, or systems engineering capacity.
• Demonstrated experience as a technical lead or systems lead on a multi-disciplinary engineering team, including task assignment and cross-functional coordination.
• Experience working with a Program Manager on WBS development, scheduling, and milestone tracking.
• Proficiency producing systems engineering documentation: requirements documents, design documents, block diagrams, RF cascade analyses, and hardware/software ICDs.
• Working knowledge of MIL-STD-188-164B (SATCOM Terminals) and MIL-STD-188-165B (SATCOM Modems).
• Hands-on experience with SATCOM modems: iDirect, Comtech, and/or ViaSat.
• Strong understanding of C, X, Ku, and Ka band satellite systems, including link characteristics and operational differences across frequency bands.
• Basic understanding of FPGAs and signal processing concepts as they apply to SATCOM waveform processing.
• Experience supporting test engineers with the development of Test Plans and Test Procedures.
• Basic understanding of Python for test automation, scripting, and data analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, interface specifications, and system diagrams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear technical documentation and effectively communicate with both technical teams and program stakeholders.
• U.S. Citizenship and active DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating internally developed RF or signal processing components into SATCOM terminal or modem architectures.
• Familiarity with SATCOM link budget analysis and RF system performance calculations.
• Experience with Line-of-Sight (LOS) radio systems and waveforms from Silvus Technologies or L3 Harris.
• Basic understanding of networking fundamentals: IP configuration, routers, and switches in SATCOM modem network environments.
• Experience with automated test frameworks and toolchains in a systems test environment.
• Familiarity with DoD SBIR or R&D project environments.
• Experience with spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF lab test equipment.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position carries technical lead responsibility for a cross-functional engineering team, including daily and weekly task direction. The role does not carry direct HR supervisory authority, though the engineer is expected to mentor junior engineers and provide performance input to program management.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office and engineering lab environment. Some remote/hybrid work is also possible.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the United States and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance.