Satellite Communications Engineer

Leidos; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the United States is seeking a communications engineer. In this role, you will support mission-critical communications for national security by conducting research and developing innovative solutions. You must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 12 years of experience in satellite communications engineering, coupled with an active TS/SCI security clearance. Join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team to ensure mission success while managing advanced satellite communication systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, master's preferred.
• 12+ years of satellite communications experience.
• Active TS/SCI with polygraph security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Support mission-critical communications for national security.
• Conduct research and develop innovative solutions.
• Analyze and resolve technical issues in deployed systems.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation.

Skills

Satellite communications engineering

RF and microwave system design

Signal processing

System analysis

Technical documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, or related field

Master’s degree in electrical engineering or satellite communications

Job description

Job Description

We’re seeking a communications engineer to support mission‑critical communications for national security and intelligence operations. You will conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and analyze advanced satellite communication systems to enable design, development, and integration for secure, reliable data, voice, or video transmissions.

Experience Required

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• At least 12 or more years of experience in satellite communications engineering, preferably supporting defense or intelligence programs.
• Lead research and development of novel satellite communication technologies for national security applications.
• Perform system‑level analysis, link budget calculations, and simulations to optimize performance under operational constraints.
• Integrate satellite communications with ground stations, mobile platforms, and other defense assets.
• Analyze and resolve technical issues in deployed systems, including RF interference and encryption challenges.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including government and contractor personnel, to ensure mission success.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, system architectures, and compliance records.
• Support field testing, validation, and operational deployment of satellite communications hardware and software.
• Provide technical briefings and training to stakeholders and end‑users.
• An active TS/SCI with a polygraph security clearance is required to be considered for this position. This position does not offer clearance sponsorship.

Desired Experience

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.
• Expertise in RF and microwave system design, signal processing, and satellite network engineering.
• Experience in investigating and documenting existing system architectures for defense platforms.
• Subject matter expertise in advanced system concepts related to aerospace, spacecraft, or military communications.
• Experience with DoD acquisition processes and documentation.

Pay Range

Pay Range \$131,300.00 - \$237,350.00

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.