RF Systems Engineer

Space Systems Integration LLC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Systems Integration (SSI) seeks an RF Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to provide SETA services for a Government IC customer. You will perform end-to-end RF systems engineering, design, integration, and validation of SATCOM ground terminals across GEO/MEO/LEO, and collaborate on network protocol integration with terrestrial infrastructures.

The role requires deep expertise in RF systems, SATCOM waveform optimization, and beam-steering antennas, with travel up to 10% and an active TS/SCI

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of RF systems design and SATCOM engineering experience preferred.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI polygraph required.

Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end RF systems engineering, including link budget analysis, EIRP, and noise figure optimization.
• Support design, integration, and validation of SATCOM ground terminal systems across GEO, MEO, and LEO.
• Collaborate on network protocol integration and QoS-based infrastructures.
• Operate RF lab test equipment and SDR/Digital IF architectures for development and troubleshooting.

Skills

RF systems design

SATCOM engineering

Link budget analysis

Antenna performance

SDR platforms

RF lab measurements

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field

Tools

SDR platforms

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

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.

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Target salary range: $180,000 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.