SATCOM Systems Engineer for SOCOM Connectivity

Huntington Ingalls Industries; Tampa (FL); On-site; Full time

Job description

This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.

HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision‑making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes—regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:

• Know & Grow Your People – Commit to learning and supporting team success.
• Build Relationships – Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
• Take Ownership – Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
• Customer First – Focus on the mission and those we serve.
• Shape the Future – Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Act with Urgency – Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.

Who We Are

HII – Mission Technologies is seeking a Communications (SATCOM) Engineer. The Satellite Communications Engineer provides advanced SATCOM engineering support to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) by designing, analyzing, integrating, and sustaining satellite communications architectures that enable beyond‑line‑of‑sight (BLOS) connectivity for mission‑critical operations. This position supports the full lifecycle of SATCOM systems used by forward‑deployed units and SOCOM operations centers, ensuring reliable, secure, and resilient communications in demanding environments. The engineer applies DoD SATCOM standards, RF engineering principles, and cybersecurity requirements to maintain high‑performance, accredited SATCOM capabilities aligned with SOCOM mission needs.

This requisition supports hiring multiple positions and experience levels. Final placement will be determined based on the selected applicant’s qualifications, experience, and skill sets.

What You Will Do

• Design, analyze, and sustain SATCOM architectures supporting BLOS connectivity for Rapid Reaction and SOCOM operational missions.
• Perform link budget analysis for X‑band, Ku‑band, commercial SATCOM, and military SATCOM systems (including DAMA) to ensure reliable data throughput.
• Integrate ground terminals, satellite payloads, modems, and user equipment to support real‑time data flow into SOCOM operations centers.
• Troubleshoot RF performance issues such as signal degradation, interference, modem synchronization failures, and atmospheric loss conditions.
• Conduct laboratory and field testing of SATCOM terminals to validate performance prior to operational deployment.
• Develop technical documentation including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), link budget models, test plans, as‑built drawings, and engineering reports.
• Evaluate emerging SATCOM technologies, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, for application in contested or degraded environments.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to implement TRANSEC/COMSEC protections for encrypted SATCOM links in accordance with NSA Type 1 requirements.
• Provide engineering recommendations to improve system reliability, coverage, throughput, and resilience under mission‑critical conditions.
• Support upgrades, integration efforts, field deployments, and sustainment activities for SOCOM SATCOM systems.

What We Are Looking For

• Level 2: 2 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 0 years experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience.
• Level 3: 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• Level 4: 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
• Level 5: 15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.
• Experience supporting SOCOM, DoD SATCOM programs, tactical communications, or other federal defense mission areas.
• Strong understanding of SATCOM engineering principles including link budgets, RF propagation, modulation schemes, and bandwidth management.
• Experience with X‑band, Ku‑band, commercial, and military SATCOM (DAMA, IW, TDMA, FDMA).
• Hands‑on experience configuring and troubleshooting SATCOM modems, terminals, antennas, and RF equipment.
• Ability to conduct RF diagnostics and resolve performance issues related to interference, environmental effects, or hardware faults.
• Experience developing SATCOM technical documentation, including ICDs, link budget spreadsheets, test plans, and engineering diagrams.
• Knowledge of TRANSEC, COMSEC, and secure SATCOM architectures aligned with NSA and DoD requirements.
• Ability to assess emerging SATCOM technologies such as LEO/MEO systems and recommend improvements or integration strategies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to present technical findings to government and contractor audiences. Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, cybersecurity personnel, and SOCOM stakeholders.
• Clearance: Must possess and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance.

Preferred: Bonus Points For...

• Experience supporting special operations mission systems or forward‑deployed communication architectures.
• Familiarity with DoD SATCOM systems such as WGS, CBSP, commercial GEO solutions, or tactical SATCOM terminals.
• Experience conducting field evaluations, site surveys, installation support, or SATCOM certification activities.
• Working knowledge of modeling tools used for link analysis or RF propagation modeling.
• Professional certifications such as Security+, Network+, CCNA, or satellite communications‑specific credentials.
• Experience developing sustainment strategies or performing lifecycle engineering for SATCOM systems.

Physical Requirements

May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.