Senior Communications RF Payload Engineer

About the role

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Comm & RF Payload Expert with exceptional expertise in radio frequency communications, spacecraft communications, and RF payload development. This position supports a U.S. Space Force (USSF) program office responsible for advanced communications payload design, integration, testing, and operation. Work will be performed in secure government environments supporting highly sensitive, mission-critical programs.

Responsibilities

As a Comm & RF Payload Expert, you will provide senior-level technical leadership in RF communications and payload engineering. You will design, evaluate, and optimize spacecraft communications payloads, coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure technical solutions meet mission requirements and program objectives.

• Provide expert-level RF communications engineering support, including signal processing, system design, and performance evaluation.
• Lead spacecraft communications and RF payload development efforts, including design, testing, integration, and operational readiness.
• Apply advanced knowledge of communications technologies to develop, assess, and optimize payload capabilities.
• Coordinate with systems, mission, and engineering teams to ensure RF payloads meet program requirements and performance objectives.
• Identify technical risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, reports, and decision-support documentation for senior leadership.
• Represent the program office in technical reviews, payload integration meetings, and cross-organizational forums.

Qualifications

• Expert in radio frequency communications engineering and signal processing.
• Expert in spacecraft communications and RF payload development.
• Expert in communications technologies and payload development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to senior leadership.
• Experience working in SAPF/SCIF environments preferred.

Desired requirements

• Experience supporting ACAT I/II or highly classified programs.
• Familiarity with DoD communications standards, RF system integration, and payload development processes.
• Experience with RF modeling, simulation, test tools, or advanced communications systems platforms.

Education requirements

• MA/MS degree preferred. Tradeoff: A Bachelor's degree is acceptable with 12+ years of relevant experience in similar programs or positions.
• The Materiel Leader may waive the MA/MS requirement based on experience and mission needs.
• Degree should be in electrical engineering, communications, physics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution.

Clearance requirements

• Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility required.
• Must be willing to work in SAP environments as needed.
• Must maintain TS/SCI eligibility and be willing to undergo a Counterintelligence polygraph.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Location and travel

• Full-time on-site support within secure government facilities (SAPF/SCIF).
• Approximately 15–20% CONUS travel, with potential for limited OCONUS travel depending on mission needs.

Pay and benefits

The pay range for this position in California is $150,000/year to $200,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract wages, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.