Ground & Payload Engineer, 53 SOPS

United States Space Force Forces; Colorado Springs (CO); Remote; USD 92,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Space Force Forces in Colorado Springs, CO is seeking a Ground & Payload Engineer to support satellite communications and RF systems. The role leads on-orbit and ground-segment test campaigns for evolving constellations and requires expert RF and electronics background.

The candidate should possess ABET-accredited engineering credentials with an advanced degree preferred, strong test/evaluation experience, and the ability to present findings to senior defense leaders.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required.
• Advanced degree preferred (MS/PhD) in RF or satellite communications.
• Formal training in satellite link budget analysis and RF instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-orbit and ground-segment test campaigns for satellite constellations.
• Evaluate user terminals and modems for RF compliance and modeling.
• Mentor team members and present findings to defense acquisition leaders.
• Develop instrumentation and evaluate spacecraft performance under operational loading.
• Drive improvements aligning RF engineering with military standards.

Skills

RF link engineering

Satellite RF expertise

Electronics engineering

Cross-functional program leadership

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Electrical, Electronics, or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. or Ph.D. in RF/Microwave Systems or Satellite Communications (preferred)

Job description

• Hiring Agency: United States Space Force Forces
• Department: Department of the Air Force
• Hiring Path: Public
• Number of Openings: 1
• Security Clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information

Key Responsibilities

The United States Space Force (USSF) at Schriever SFB, Colorado Springs, CO is searching for a Ground & Payload Engineer to support 53 SOPS (NH-0855-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Description: Are you ready to advance next-generation military space communications and apply your RF expertise to mission-critical systems?

As our Senior SATCOM Electronics Engineer, you will serve as a lead technical specialist guiding comprehensive on-orbit and ground-segment test campaigns for cutting-edge satellite constellations while actively contributing to the evolution of military standards.

On any given day, you will evaluate advanced user terminals and modems for compliance and high-fidelity link modeling, design custom instrumentation to evaluate spacecraft performance under operational loading, resolve complex RF anomalies, mentor team members, and present substantiated findings to senior defense acquisition leaders to clear new space capabilities for the field.

If you thrive on technical curiosity, enjoy solving multidisciplinary engineering puzzles that connect space hardware with operational effects, and want your work to make a tangible national impact, this is the team for you.

Ideal Candidate: Background: The ideal candidate is a recognized subject matter expert with a multidisciplinary background integrating satellite radio frequency (RF) link engineering, space and ground segment systems, and cross-functional defense program leadership. Education: The candidate holds an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Electronics, or Aerospace Engineering, with an advanced degree (M.S.

or Ph.D.) in RF/Microwave Systems or Satellite Communications strongly preferred. Training: The candidate possesses formalized technical training in satellite link budget analysis, RF instrumentation, and military standards compliance.

Experience: The candidate brings extensive, progressively responsible engineering experience taking initiative to lead on-orbit and ground-segment test and evaluation campaigns, conceiving novel instrumentation solutions, and authoring rigorous, evidence-based technical reports supporting major defense acquisition programs.

Key Skills and Abilities: 1.

Expert knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the variety of professional, technical, and specialty fields based on professional training in electronics engineering and extensive experience in research and development. For education to be acceptable, the program must lead to a Bachelor's degree from a school of engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). 2.

Expert technical knowledge of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of electronics engineering that enables the incumbent to serve as an expert in satellite Radio Frequency (RF) and in the test and evaluation and research and development of evaluation programs for emerging constellations. 3. Experience in testing and evaluation in electronics engineering to make recommendations which result in significant changes to important areas of the test and evaluation programs.

4. Skill in applying advanced electronic engineering concepts, so as to be able to serve as an expert to resolve difficult/novel engineering problems and issues, and plan, design, monitor and evaluate complex engineering programs and projects. 5. Ability to ensure the latest and most desirable developments in RF electronics and related engineering fields, technology, and threats are applied to support testing and training. 6.

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 7. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations; monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes. 8. Ability to identify problems and use sound judgment and decisions to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with United States Space Force Forces, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $91870 – $142022/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-09.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.