Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer - (SATCOM)

ThinKom Solutions

Hawthorne, Northern (CA, KY)

Hybrid

USD 90,000 - 125,000

Full time

43 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability

Life Insurance

401k Matching (4%)

PTO

Paid Holidays

Bonus Plan

Job summary

ThinKom Solutions in Hawthorne, CA seeks a Senior Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (SATCOM) to architect, develop, and deploy advanced RF satellite communication systems. You will drive end-to-end development within an IPT, collaborating with program managers and partners to meet demanding performance goals.

You will lead architecture, verification, and cross-program execution while mentoring engineers and guiding design reviews.

Qualifications

2+ years of systems engineering experience
Experience architecting, developing, validating RF communication systems
RF SATCOM expertise with key RF component technologies
Hands-on experience with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes
U.S. Citizen eligible for DoD clearance

Responsibilities

Lead architectural assessments and define interfaces for SATCOM payloads and terminals.
Evaluate RF sub-assemblies and COTS components (antennas, LNBs, HPAs, up/down-converters).
Direct requirements flow-down, verification, and test to ensure performance and security.
Lead IPTs and present design reviews (PDR/CDR) with customers and suppliers.
Support multiple programs from conceptual design to production delivery.
Refine analysis, monitoring, and test frameworks to elevate execution.

Skills

Systems engineering

RF SATCOM

Test equipment operation

Technical leadership

Design reviews

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related

Tools

Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer - (SATCOM)

Build the Future of High-Performance Connectivity

At ThinKom, we don’t just build antennas - we design high-performance, next-generation mechanical systems that connect the world across air, land, sea, and space. From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our technology operates in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

We’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who loves hands-on engineering, thrives on solving hard hardware problems, and wants to see their designs go from napkin sketch to physical deployment. If you're ready to lead critical programs, mentor rising talent, and push the limits of advanced satellite communications, this is your platform.

Position Summary

As a Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (SATCOM), you will play a key role in architecting, developing, and deploying advanced RF satellite communication systems that keep critical global networks connected.

Working as part of a high-impact Integrated Product Team (IPT) alongside Program Managers and tier-one defense/commercial partners, you will drive the end-to-end development lifecycle—from early architectural trade-offs and component evaluation to integration, testing, and production delivery. If you thrive on solving complex RF engineering challenges and driving real-world hardware solutions, this position is for you.

What You’ll Do

System Architecture & Interface Design: Lead architectural assessments, define component interactions, and establish seamless physical, functional, and program interfaces across complex SATCOM payloads and terminals.
Hands-on Hardware Evaluation: Evaluate critical RF sub-assemblies and COTS components—including antennas, LNBs, HPAs, up/down-converters, multiplexers, reference oscillators, and PLLs.
Requirements & Verification: Direct requirements flow-down, matrix traceability, and verification testing to ensure integrated solutions satisfy performance, reliability, usability, and security needs.
Customer & Subcontractor Leadership: Lead requirements IPTs and working group sessions with external customers and suppliers; prepare and present key design reviews (PDR/CDR).
Cross-Program Execution: Support multiple active programs through conceptual design, detailed engineering, integration, and final production delivery.
Continuous Improvement: Refine system analysis, monitoring routines, and test frameworks to continuously elevate team execution and product performance.

What You Bring

Must-Haves:

Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience: 2+ years of systems engineering experience with a demonstrated track record of architecting, developing, and validating complex RF communication systems.
RF Domain Expertise: Strong subject-matter expertise in RF SATCOM systems and deep familiarity with key RF component technologies (amplifiers, converters, oscillators, antennas).
Test Bench Proficiency: Hands-on experience operating Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and standard RF test equipment.
Clearance Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance.

Nice-to-Haves (Preferred Experience):

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to present complex technical data clearly in design reviews and customer meetings.
Strong multi-tasking and problem-solving skills suited for fast-paced, multi-program environments.

What Success Looks Like Here

Take ownership of complex system architectures from concept through validation.
Connect engineering disciplines to ensure successful system integration.
Communicate technical ideas clearly with engineers, customers, and program leadership.
Anticipate technical risks early and develop practical, data-driven solutions.
Balance technical excellence with program execution to help deliver products on schedule.
Build trusted relationships across engineering teams and customer organizations.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Travel: Up to 10% domestic/international travel to support customer reviews, field tests, or supplier evaluations.
Environment: Combined office and dynamic RF lab environment. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Why Join ThinKom?

At ThinKom, you'll help develop innovative technologies that enable critical communications and advanced electromagnetic systems for Commercial Inflight Connectivity (IFC), High-Power Microwave (HPM), and Gateway & Defense SATCOM applications. You'll work alongside highly skilled engineers on technically challenging programs, influence product direction, and contribute to solutions that perform in some of the world's most demanding environments.

We foster a collaborative culture that values innovation, technical excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth. If you're looking for an opportunity to solve complex engineering challenges while helping shape the future of advanced antenna and electromagnetic technologies, we encourage you to apply.

Salary Range - $90,000 - $125,000

ThinKom offer generous benefits including: