SDA Satellite Communications SME

Role and Responsibilities

• Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
• Strategic Guidance and Subject Matter Expertise
• Serve as the primary technical authority on advanced satellite RF communications systems and technologies.
• Provide technical oversight and drive advancements in complex satellite communications systems to meet program objectives.
• Deliver expert-level analysis, advice, and problem-solving solutions for both existing and future satellite communications programs.
• Conduct technical trade studies to evaluate design options and recommend optimal solutions that address program requirements and mission goals.
• Develop and refine system requirements, specifications, and architectures to support evolving satellite communication capabilities and mission objectives.
• Apply specialized knowledge of data links for weapon systems, including design, analysis, and operational integration.
• Lead technical efforts for the verification and validation of satellite communication system requirements, ensuring performance and compliance.
• Lead RF engineering activities such as analysis, design, development, and testing of advanced waveforms to enhance system reliability and functionality.
• Provide subject matter expertise in advanced waveform standards and their operational implementation across satellite systems.
• Monitor and assess emerging technologies, trends, and best practices to identify opportunities for enhancing program capabilities.
• Program Integration
• Collaborate with government leadership, program managers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure that satellite communication systems meet programmatic requirements and operational objectives.
• Attend and actively participate in design reviews, offering expert-level recommendations to support government customers in decision-making processes.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders across multiple organizational levels.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor, using tact and diplomacy to address customer needs and foster effective communication while maintaining program alignment.
• Conduct technical and programmatic risk assessments to identify challenges with satellite payloads and proactively provide recommendations for improvements and innovations.
• Support programmatic success by effectively stratifying limited resources across approved programs and prioritizing technical needs.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budgets to ensure compliance with financial constraints while meeting schedules and program deliverables.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level RF system engineer experience with a deep understanding of advanced waveforms within the Department of War.
• Extensive experience analyzing system designs and providing detailed design recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage risks and drive technological advancements.
• Excellent communications skills to represent the PWSA in external working groups and to interface with senior leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science disciplines, or related field. (REQUIRED)
• Master’s degree in Engineering, or Science disciplines Science, or related field. (DESIRED)

Certification Requirements

• None

Clearance Requirements

• This role will require the person to obtain and maintain a Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI) security clearance.
• Active Secret Clearance is required to start
• Active Top Secret Clearance (Desired)
• TSCI Eligibility (Desired)
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.