Communications Specialist

Orbis; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized communications firm is seeking a Communications Specialist in McLean, Virginia, to support critical mission operations. The role involves conducting signals analysis and utilizing communications technologies to ensure reliable systems. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and experience with SIGINT modalities. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree and 8+ years in the field. This role requires U.S. citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience in communications technologies such as RF, fiber optics, or satellite systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret SIGINT or communications-related technical data.
• Experience conducting signals analysis in at least one SIGINT modality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed signals analysis across COMINT, ELINT, FISINT, and PROFORMA domains.
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate technical signal intelligence data.
• Support testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of communications systems.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced environments

U.S. Citizenship

Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical or analytical field

Job description

This is a proposal requisition. Work will begin only if the contract is awarded.

Orbis is looking for a Communications Specialist to support critical mission operations in the Washington Metro Area. The role focuses on communications technologies and infrastructures to ensure reliable, secure systems and to deliver mission‑relevant signal analysis and technical assessments. Candidates from diverse technical backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed signals analysis across COMINT, ELINT, FISINT, and PROFORMA domains to support Mission Center objectives.
• Apply engineering expertise in communications, electronics, aerospace, or industrial systems to advance mission capabilities.
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate technical signal intelligence data to identify trends, vulnerabilities, and operational impacts.
• Contribute to the development of system architectures, technical designs, and communications‑related CONOPs.
• Review technical white papers, feasibility studies, and reporting to assess operational relevance.
• Perform or support vulnerability assessments and identification of single points of failure.
• Collaborate with System Integrators, Systems Engineers, mission engineering teams, and government customer stakeholders.
• Support testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of communications systems in lab or deployed environments.
• Track and document operational performance, prepare briefings, and support mission partner coordination.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or analytical field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in communications technologies such as aircraft, maritime, core networks, RF, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless systems.
• Experience conducting signals analysis in at least one SIGINT modality (COMINT, ELINT, FISINT, PROFORMA).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret SIGINT or communications‑related technical data.
• Experience collaborating to develop or refine analytic methodologies and provide technical assessments.

Preferred Education And Experience (not Required To Apply)

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field.
• 8–10+ years of communications or SIGINT experience.
• Experience supporting mission‑focused operations for a Mission Center.
• Experience performing technical feasibility reviews, trade studies, vulnerability assessments, or architecture evaluations.
• Exposure to field operations, deployed systems, or operational test environments.
• Familiarity with Mandarin (reading or technical terminology).

Required Skills & Abilities

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, dynamic environments.

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Ability to develop or refine communications‑related CONOPs, SOPs, or technical documentation.
• Experience evaluating vulnerabilities or identifying single points of failure in communications systems.
• Experience supporting intelligence collection planning or mission engineering decisions.
• Familiarity with RF modeling tools, spectrum analysis tools, or communications test equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods at a computer; routine video conferences and/or in‑person meetings.
• Ability to attend planned meetings across the Washington Metro Area.
• Work may be performed in classified environments per Sponsor direction.

Orbis Operations is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.