Satellite Communications Systems Engineer

Qwaltec, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Professional development support

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Qwaltec in the Maryland/Washington DC area is seeking a Satellite Communications Systems Engineer to support satellite ground station operations for a DoD customer. You will integrate new missions, plan upgrades, and evaluate system performance against requirements.

The role blends hands-on systems engineering with mission-level thinking, requiring 5+ years of experience, a TS/SCI clearance, and full on-site work in the MD/DC metro area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, a science discipline, or related field.
• 5 years of experience with spacecraft ground station systems and networks.
• Active TS or TS/SCI clearance required.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to work fully on-site in the Maryland / Washington DC Metro area.

Responsibilities

• Assist with integrating new missions into the ground system baseline.
• Plan system upgrades and identify requirements and deficiencies in ground station hardware and software.
• Perform analyses to evaluate needs and define system performance requirements.
• Integrate technical parameters and ensure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and program management across the spacecraft and ground system life cycle.

Skills

Ground station systems

Spacecraft telemetry

Security clearance TS/SCI

U.S. Citizenship

Education

B.S. in Systems Engineering

Job description

Description

Founded in 2001 on the belief that success begins with quality, Qwaltec is a certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. We are a team of systems engineers, technical training consultants, program managers, and mission operations experts with deep experience supporting the Department of War, NASA, United States Space Force, and commercial aerospace customers. From ground system operations and mission control to technical training and software engineering, Qwaltec brings space within reach — and we are growing.

We strive for excellence and accountability, and we do everything we can to exceed expectations while acting with integrity and compassion. We invest in relationships, and we value openness, honesty, and fairness in all our endeavors.

Qwaltec is seeking a Satellite Communications Systems Engineer

to join the technical team supporting satellite ground station operations for a Department of War customer. You will assist with integrating new missions into the ground system baseline, planning system upgrades, and identifying requirements and deficiencies in ground station hardware and software.

This role blends hands-on systems engineering with mission-level thinking: performing analyses to define system performance requirements, integrating technical parameters, and ensuring compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces. This position is fully on-site in the Maryland / Washington DC Metro area.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with integrating new missions into the ground system baseline
• Plan system upgrades and identify requirements and deficiencies in ground station hardware and software
• Perform analyses to evaluate needs and define system performance requirements
• Integrate technical parameters and ensure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and program management across the spacecraft and ground system life cycle

Requirements

• Bachelor\'s degree in systems engineering, a science discipline, or related field
• 5 years of experience with spacecraft ground station systems and networks
• Technical background in ground station system and subsystem design and development for spacecraft telemetry, tracking, and communications
• Active Top Secret (TS) or Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance required
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to work fully on-site in the Maryland / Washington DC Metro area

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating new missions or capabilities into an operational ground system baseline
• Familiarity with RF, network, and command and control subsystems in satellite ground stations
• Experience developing systems engineering documentation such as requirements, interface specifications, and test plans

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive benefits package
• Professional development support and training budget
• Opportunity to grow with a mission-driven, women-owned small business at the forefront of space operations

Why Qwaltec?

Qwaltec is more than a contractor — we are a team dedicated to mission success on and off the planet. Our work spans NASA, USSF, and commercial constellations. We are a company where your contribution is visible, your voice matters, and your growth is a priority. As a small business, you will have direct exposure to leadership and real influence over Qwaltec\'s future.

Qwaltec is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.