Satellite Communications Systems Engineer

3M Consultancy; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

3M Consultancy in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Satellite Communications Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and optimize spacecraft communication systems, radios, antennas, SDRs, and ground stations. This hands-on role spans from initial design to lab testing and in-orbit validation, requiring strong RF and embedded systems expertise and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

You will work with C++, Python, MATLAB, and DVB-S2/ CCSDS standards in a Linux environment, contributing to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience with software-defined radios and RF signal processing
• Familiarity with integrating radios, antennas, and ground stations—preferably in space systems
• Proficiency in C++, C, Python, or MATLAB
• Comfortable working in Linux-based environments
• Experience with communication protocols and standards like DVB-S2, CCSDS, LoRa, TCP/IP, SNMP, etc.
• Prior experience with microcontrollers and embedded software is a plus
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and in collaborative teams

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve communication systems for spacecraft, including direct-to-ground links and inter-satellite relays using SDRs
• Evaluate and select RF components such as radios and antennas
• Perform link budget analyses, capacity planning, and interference mitigation
• Collaborate with systems engineering on constellation/network design and performance
• Support integration and testing of communication subsystems in the lab and with spacecraft partners
• Set up and test payload configurations to validate communication performance
• Define operational concepts and support ground station integration
• Maintain technical documentation throughout development

Skills

RF Engineering

Embedded systems

Software-defined radios

C++

Python

Linux

Signal processing

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

DVB-S2

CCSDS

TCP/IP

SNMP

Job description

3M Consultancy | Full time

Chantilly, United States | Posted on 06/11/2025

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• Date Opened 06/11/2025
• Job Type Full time
• Industry Telecommunications
• Work Experience 5+ years
• Salary 150000 to 170000
• City Chantilly
• State/Province Virginia
• Country United States
• Zip/Postal Code 22040

Job Title: Satellite Communications Systems Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

We’re looking for a hands-on engineer with a strong background in RF, embedded systems, and satellite communications. In this role, you'll be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft communication systems—from radios and antennas to software-defined radios (SDRs) and ground stations. You'll work across hardware and software, supporting everything from initial design to lab testing to in-orbit validation.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex engineering problems, enjoys wearing multiple hats, and wants to contribute to cutting-edge satellite technology.

Core Responsibilities:

• Design and evolve communication systems for spacecraft, including direct-to-ground links and inter-satellite relays using SDRs
• Evaluate and select RF components such as radios and antennas
• Perform link budget analyses, capacity planning, and interference mitigation
• Collaborate with systems engineering on constellation/network design and performance
• Support integration and testing of communication subsystems in the lab and with spacecraft partners
• Set up and test payload configurations to validate communication performance
• Define operational concepts and support ground station integration
• Maintain technical documentation throughout development

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience with software-defined radios and RF signal processing
• Familiarity with integrating radios, antennas, and ground stations—preferably in space systems
• Proficiency in C++, C, Python, or MATLAB
• Comfortable working in Linux-based environments
• Experience with communication protocols and standards like DVB-S2, CCSDS, LoRa, TCP/IP, SNMP, etc.
• Prior experience with microcontrollers and embedded software is a plus
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and in collaborative teams

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