RF Systems Engineer

Space Systems Integration LLC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Systems Integration in Chantilly, VA is seeking an RF Systems Engineer to provide SETA services for a Government IC customer, supporting advanced SATCOM and ground terminal solutions.

Role requires deep RF expertise, GEO/MEO/LEO experience, and proficiency with SDRs and RF test equipment. Active TS/SCI with CI polygraph and travel up to 10% are required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field with 10+ years of experience.
• Extensive hands-on RF design and SATCOM engineering experience.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI polygraph and ability to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end RF systems engineering including link budgets and noise figure optimization.
• Support design, integration, and validation of SATCOM systems across GEO/MEO/LEO.
• Apply antenna theory to phased arrays, reflectors, and beam steering systems.
• Collaborate on network protocol integration between SATCOM and terrestrial networks.
• Operate RF lab test equipment and utilize SDRs for development and troubleshooting.
• Analyze and optimize waveforms (QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM) and FEC schemes for throughput.

Skills

RF systems design

SATCOM engineering

Antenna theory

Mesh networking concepts

Ground terminal integration

Modulation and link budgets

SDR platforms

RF lab measurements

Network protocol integration

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

SDR platforms

RF lab equipment

Job description

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

SSI is seeking an RF Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. In this position, you will support advanced satellite communications and ground terminal solutions. This role requires deep technical expertise in RF systems engineering, SATCOM, and network integration to enable resilient, high-performance communication systems for mission-critical applications.

Key Requirements

• Perform end-to-end RF systems engineering, including link budget analysis, signal propagation studies, EIRP, G/T calculations, and noise figure optimization.
• Support the design, integration, and validation of SATCOM systems across GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations and waveform technologies.
• Apply knowledge of mesh networking concepts such as dynamic routing, frequency reuse, and latency optimization.
• Design, develop, and integrate ground terminal systems including RF front-ends, BUCs, LNBs, antennas, modems, and related hardware.
• Analyze and optimize waveforms including QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) schemes for spectral efficiency and link robustness.
• Apply antenna theory and design principles to phased arrays, parabolic reflectors, flat panel antennas, and systems requiring beam steering, polarization control, and precision tracking.
• Collaborate on network protocol integration, ensuring smooth interoperability between SATCOM and terrestrial TCP/IP, VLAN, and QoS-based infrastructures.
• Operate and interpret results from RF lab test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and related diagnostic tools.
• Utilize Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) architectures in both development and troubleshooting roles.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field and (ten) 10 or more years of experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience in RF systems design and SATCOM engineering.
• Familiarity with ground terminal design and satellite communication subsystems.
• Strong working knowledge of modulation schemes, link budgets, and antenna system performance.
• Experience with RF lab measurement tools and SDR platforms
• Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years).
• Willingness to travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting military or government communication systems.
• Knowledge of mesh networking, advanced waveform optimization, and spectrum management.
• Experience with digital IF, signal processing, and adaptive communications techniques.
• Familiarity with non-traditional RF sensing technologies and methodologies.

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Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

#ssi #weknowhowtobuildit #spacejobs

Benefits

• medical/dental/vision benefits
• 401k contribution

Target salary range: $180,000 - $230,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.