Satcom Systems Engineer — Impactful Defense & Space Comms

KBR Careers; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR’s Satellite Communications team in Newport, RI seeks a SATCOM Systems Engineer to lead architecture, analysis, and integration of satellite links. You will work across RF, baseband, and networking layers to optimize modem and terminal architectures and waveform performance.

The role requires 5+ years in communications system development, DoD/defense program experience, and hands-on work with modulation, coding, and SoC/FPGA-based subsystems. A DoD clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field; 5+ years in communications system development.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and define modem and RF subsystem architectures for SATCOM systems
• Evaluate modulation and coding schemes (QPSK, 8PSK, APSK variants, LDPC, Turbo) under operational link conditions
• Assess and support implementation of multiple access techniques
• Develop and review link budgets, spectral efficiency analysis, and interference mitigation strategies
• Support System-on-Chip (SoC) or FPGA-based modem implementations and hardware/software partitioning decisions
• Define system and interface requirements across RF, IF, baseband, and Layer 2 interfaces
• Support integration and test of modem and terminal subsystems in laboratory and field environments
• Identify technical risks and performance trades across waveform, RF, and network layers

Skills

RF engineering

Digital communications

Modem development

Link budgets

SoC/FPGA experience

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Simulation tools

Job description

KBR’s Satellite Communications team in Newport, RI seeks a SATCOM Systems Engineer to lead architecture, analysis, and integration of satellite links. You will work across RF, baseband, and networking layers to optimize modem and terminal architectures and waveform performance.

The role requires 5+ years in communications system development, DoD/defense program experience, and hands-on work with modulation, coding, and SoC/FPGA-based subsystems. A DoD clearance is preferred.