Senior SATCOM RF Engineer — Space Systems Design

Associates Systems LLC; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

PTO

401k

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering firm is seeking a skilled Satellite Communications Engineer based in San Jose, California. This role involves designing advanced SATCOM systems, performing link budget analyses, and managing satellite health and performance. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a relevant field and strong technical skills in RF engineering, MATLAB, and Python. Competitive salary starting at $160,000 based on experience, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in RF engineering and signal processing.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and C++.
• Understanding of network protocols and encryption standards.

Responsibilities

• Architect communication payloads and end-to-end SATCOM systems.
• Monitor satellite health and performance from ground stations.
• Diagnose and resolve signal interference, network anomalies, and system malfunctions.
• Manage frequency allocations and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct pre-launch simulations and system validation activities.

Skills

RF engineering

Signal processing

MATLAB

Python

C++

STK

Network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP)

Encryption standards

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field

Job description

• San Jose, California

Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Engineer
Location: San Jose California. Possible Hybrid once program is maturing.
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizens with the ability to obtain a security clearance
Join our growing team of engineering professionals and play a key role in shaping advanced satellite communication systems. We are seeking a highly skilled SATCOM Engineer to support the design, operation, and optimization of next‑generation space and ground communication technologies. Key Responsibilities
System Design & Analysis

• Architect communication payloads and end‑to‑end SATCOM systems
• Perform link budget analyses to optimize signal quality and reliability
• Design RF subsystems including antennas, transceivers, and related components

Mission Operations

• Monitor satellite health and performance from ground stations
• Support orbital maneuver planning and execution
• Coordinate data transmission schedules and mission timelines

Technical Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve signal interference, network anomalies, and system malfunctions
• Provide real‑time support for hardware and software issues

Spectrum Management

• Manage frequency allocations and ensure regulatory compliance
• Collaborate with agencies such as the FCC and ITU to mitigate interference risks

Integration & Testing

• Conduct pre‑launch simulations and system validation activities
• Test satellite hardware in environmental chambers to ensure performance in space conditions

Required Skills & Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in RF engineering and signal processing
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, C++, and STK (Systems Tool Kit)
• Understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP) and encryption standards

Several compensation options are available such as direct hire or consultancy. Salary range varies on experience - $160,000 and go up based on experience. Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k) can be available based on the compensation method chosen.

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