Naval Communications Engineer: RF, Datalinks & SATCOM

Saalex; Lexington Park (MD); On-site; Full time

Job description

Greenfield Engineering, a Saalex Company is seeking a Communications Engineer in Patuxent River, MD to support the development, integration, testing, and fielding of advanced communications and avionics systems across Naval Aviation platforms.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary:$115k-$150k annually (depending on experience)
Work Location: Full-time onsite (see onsite requirements below)

Position Overview

The Core Avionics Engineering Division is seeking an experienced Communications Engineer with expertise in developing and integrating communications and datalink systems into military aviation platforms.

This role supports multiple PMA programs, contributing to the development, sustainment, and integration of RF communications, SATCOM, and datalink systems across their lifecycle.

Essential Functions

• Support analysis, integration, test, and design of communications systems across naval aviation platforms
• Contribute to development and fielding of survival radios, beacons, and secure communications systems
• Perform radio system integration and sustainment, including ARC-210 and E-6B platforms
• Execute RF system configuration, testing, and evaluation, including waveform and antenna performance
• Support datalink integration efforts for secure voice and tactical communications systems
• Conduct engineering activities across the full lifecycle: design, acquisition, installation, test, evaluation, and modernization
• Perform co-site analysis, link budgeting, and spectrum analysis
• Support both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications systems
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Technical Areas of Expertise

• RF communications systems and waveforms
• Antenna theory, configuration, and evaluation
• Link budgets and propagation analysis
• Datalink integration (LINK 11, 16, 22; CDL; MIDS‑JTRS)
• UHF/VHF/HF communications systems (including ARC-210)
• SATCOM systems (MUOS, INMARSAT, UHF SATCOM)
• Secure communications and cryptographic systems
• Error correction, spectrum management, and interference mitigation
• Co‑site analysis and TEMPEST considerations

Supported Systems & Technologies

• ARC‑210 radios
• Common Data Link (CDL)
• HF / HF-IP / VHF / UHF communications
• UHF SATCOM / MUOS
• MIDS‑JTRS
• LINK 11, 16, 22
• IBS, IC S
• TSAT / SATURN, SARSAT, INMARSAT
• RF/microwave components and communication subsystems

Required

• 3–10 years of experience in communications or RF engineering
• Experience supporting DoD or Naval Aviation programs required
• Strong background in radio systems, RF communications, or datalink integration
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Desired

• Hands‑on experience with ARC‑210 or E‑6B platforms
• Experience with datalink integration and secure communications systems
• Familiarity with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) environments

Security Clearance

Active Secret clearance required to start. Must be eligible to obtain Top Secret / SCI clearance. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Stock Option Plan