RF Communications Systems Engineer

SES Space & Defense; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

SES Space & Defense in Reston, Virginia is seeking a Senior RF Communications Engineer to lead the design and optimization of RF communications in mission-critical SATCOM operations. You will work with advanced RF systems, integrating testing and performance validation while ensuring robust connectivity.

The ideal candidate has a BS in Engineering and over 4 years of experience in RF communications, ideally within defense or aerospace sectors. Strong skills in microwave hardware and critical thinking are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in RF communications engineering.
• Experience in aerospace systems and SATCOM.
• Ability to work under demanding mission constraints.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF communications design elements in space architecture.
• Validate RF system performance against defined requirements.
• Solve interoperability issues in advanced communications scenarios.

Skills

Microwave hardware experience

RF engineering expertise

Critical thinking skills

Team-building skills

Education

BS degree or higher in Engineering

Tools

SATCOM systems

Link performance modeling

Job description

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite‑enabled connectivity, we deliver multi‑orbit, end‑to‑end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high‑bandwidth communications across the globe.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior RF Communications Engineer, you will lead the design, analysis, and optimization of RF communications performance across SES Space & Defense’s space architectures, assist in the development of link budgets, model RF impairments, and ensure robust end‑to‑end connectivity for mission‑critical SATCOM operations. You’ll integrate and assist with testing waveforms, modems, antennas, and RF subsystems. You will solve complex interoperability challenges, support advanced waveform and capability development, and drive enhancements that strengthen resilience, throughput, and reliability. You’ll also collaborate across space, systems, and network engineering teams, support operational missions with RF troubleshooting, and contribute to technical governance, readiness assessments, and system‑level performance decisions.

Ownership & Responsibility

• Own RF communications design elements within the overall space architecture, including link budgets, waveform performance, and terminal‑to‑network RF behavior.
• Lead RF integration and test activities across space, ground, and user terminals.
• Validate RF system performance against requirements such as Eb/N₀ margins, throughput, interference resilience, and mission availability.

What You Will Build, Solve, or Drive

• Build and refine high‑performance RF links for low‑latency LEO SATCOM, ensuring robustness across dynamic orbital and tactical environments.
• Solve complex interoperability issues involving waveforms, modems, antennas, terminal radios, and networking interfaces.

Why the Role Matters

• Ensures mission‑critical communications reliability for U.S. Government and commercial customers who rely on SES space architectures.
• Enables technical clarity and risk reduction through expert RF engineering support across multi‑orbit and multi‑vendor environments.
• Accelerates delivery of advanced, resilient RF capabilities that improve operational performance and mission outcomes.

What Makes It Interesting or Challenging

• Involves advanced RF engineering in the context of cutting‑edge LEO and multi‑orbit SATCOM systems.
• Requires working across antenna systems, waveforms, modems, link‑layer networking, and integrated ground infrastructure.
• Operates at the intersection of cutting‑edge communications technology, real‑world environmental constraints, and demanding mission needs.

Who You Are

The ideal candidate is an experienced RF communications engineer with a strong record of owning and delivering complex SATCOM or aerospace communication systems across space, ground, and network segments. They have successfully developed or integrated advanced waveforms, modems, prototypes, or communications architectures, often under demanding mission constraints, and have supported field tests, rapid capability insertions, or operational demonstrations. Their background includes working with U.S. Government, DoD, or national security customers, bringing deep familiarity with protected communications, cybersecurity requirements, interference environments, and tactical networking. They stand out through recognized subject‑matter expertise in RF or multi‑orbit SATCOM engineering and can translate complex technical challenges into clear, mission‑aligned strategies.

Scope of Ownership and Accountability in Previous Roles

• Experience owning RF subsystem designs, link performance modeling, and related engineering documentation for SATCOM or aerospace systems.
• Responsible for baseline management of RF requirements, performance verification, and integration readiness.
• Experience supporting field operations, terminal integration, or on‑orbit performance assessment environments.

Examples of Solutions, Programs, or Capabilities You’ve Delivered

• Delivered RF or waveform‑based capabilities, such as new modem integrations, link optimization algorithms, or interference‑resilient communications solutions.
• Supported prototype development, system demonstrations, or rapid capability insertion efforts.
• Contributed to terminal interoperability upgrades or RF enhancements that improved mission performance.

Exposure to Relevant Industries, Customers, or Mission Sets

• Experience in SATCOM, RF communications, tactical radios, aerospace systems, or defense networking.
• Past support for U.S. Government, DoD, or national security customers conducting mission‑critical communications.
• Familiarity with protected communications, jamming environments, spectrum policy, and cybersecurity‑aware RF architectures.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 4 or more years related experience.
• Each higher‑level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Microwave, radio frequency, and/or optical telecom hardware experience.
• Excellent customer service, accountability, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.
• Solid critical thinking skills that result in effective decision making and priority setting.
• Team‑building skills with a player/coach mindset.
• Attention to detail that leads to complete, high‑quality engineering products.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At SES Space & Defense, we are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local laws.