SATCOM Engineer

Chitra Productions; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The SATCOM Engineer designs, implements, operates, and maintains satellite communication systems supporting voice, video, and data communications for commercial, government, or defense customers. Responsibilities include designing and maintaining networks, performing link budgets, installing terminals, testing, troubleshooting, and documenting procedures.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or related field and 3–10+ years of SATCOM

Qualifications

• 3–10+ years of SATCOM engineering or telecommunications experience.
• Knowledge of satellite communications principles, RF engineering, and network architecture.
• Experience with satellite modems, VSAT systems, antennas, and associated RF equipment.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP networking, routing, switching, and network management tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to travel and support field operations when required.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain SATCOM networks and ground systems.
• Perform satellite link budget analysis and RF performance assessments.
• Install, integrate, test, and troubleshoot satellite terminals, modems, antennas, and associated equipment.
• Monitor network performance and resolve communication outages.
• Support network operations centers (NOCs) and field deployments.
• Develop technical documentation, engineering drawings, and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct system acceptance testing and operational readiness evaluations.
• Coordinate with satellite service providers, vendors, and customers.
• Implement cybersecurity and information assurance requirements for satellite networks.
• Support contingency operations and emergency communications as required.

Skills

SATCOM engineering

RF engineering

TCP/IP networking

Troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

iDirect

Comtech

Hughes

Viasat modem platforms

Cisco routing/switching

Job description

Position Summary
The SATCOM Engineer designs, implements, operates, and maintains satellite communication
systems supporting voice, video, and data communications for commercial, government, or
defense customers. The engineer provides technical expertise in satellite networks, RF systems,
ground terminals, and network infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain SATCOM networks and ground systems.
• Perform satellite link budget analysis and RF performance assessments.
• Install, integrate, test, and troubleshoot satellite terminals, modems, antennas, and
  associated equipment.
• Monitor network performance and resolve communication outages.
• Support network operations centers (NOCs) and field deployments.
• Develop technical documentation, engineering drawings, and standard operating
  procedures.
• Conduct system acceptance testing and operational readiness evaluations.
• Coordinate with satellite service providers, vendors, and customers.
• Implement cybersecurity and information assurance requirements for satellite networks.
• Support contingency operations and emergency communications as required.
• Required Qualification
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer
  Engineering, or related field. 3–10+ years of SATCOM engineering or telecommunications experience.
• Knowledge of satellite communications principles, RF engineering, and network
  architecture.
• Experience with satellite modems, VSAT systems, antennas, and associated RF equipment.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP networking, routing, switching, and network management tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Ability to travel and support field operations when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) communications systems.
• Knowledge of military SATCOM systems including:
• WGS (Wideband Global SATCOM)
• Commercial SATCOM services
• DSCS legacy systems
• MUOS and tactical communications systems
• Certifications such as:
• Security+
  Network+
  CCNA/CCNP
  Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP)

Desired Technical Skills

RF propagation and spectrum analysis
Link budget calculations
Antenna alignment and pointing
iDirect, Comtech, Hughes, or Viasat modem platforms
Cisco routing and switching
Network monitoring tools
Encryption devices and secure communications equipment