Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer

Trinzic; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, analysis, integration and oversight of advanced SATCOM systems. You will collaborate across RF, IF, baseband, and networking layers to optimize modems and terminals for military and commercial use.

Applicants should bring deep RF and digital comms knowledge, hands-on modem/SoC/FPGA experience, and an active DoD SECRET clearance. The role emphasizes system-level reviews and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field (Required)
• 8+ years in communications system development (Required)
• Hands-on experience with modem, waveform, or RF subsystem design or integration (Required)
• Experience in system-level testing and DoD/defense programs (Required)
• Strong RF engineering fundamentals and digital communications theory (Required)
• Experience with ModCod, adaptive coding/modulation, and multiple access schemes (Required)
• Experience with FPGA/SoC modem architectures and MATLAB (Required)
• Active DoD SECRET clearance (Required)

Responsibilities

• Analyze and define modem and RF subsystem architectures for SATCOM systems
• Evaluate modulation, coding, and link performance under operational conditions
• Support MA techniques and waveform optimization
• Develop link budgets and spectral efficiency analyses
• Assist SoC/FPGA modem implementations and HW/SW partitioning
• Define requirements across RF, IF, baseband and Layer 2
• Support lab and field testing of subsystems
• Identify risks and performance trade-offs across waveform, RF, and network layers
• Serve as SATCOM SME and mentor junior engineers
• Lead technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and customer readiness

Skills

RF engineering

modem development

SoC/FPGA familiarity

MATLAB

C/C++/HDL familiarity

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

MS preferred

Tools

MATLAB

HDL

FPGA/SoC

Job description

Title:

Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

The Senior Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Systems Engineer will support the architecture, analysis, integration, and technical oversight of advanced satellite communications systems. The role requires strong technical depth in RF engineering, digital communications, and modem development, with emphasis on physical layer performance and waveform implementation. The engineer will work across RF, IF, baseband, and networking layers to evaluate and develop modem and terminal architectures for military and commercial satellite communications systems. Responsibilities include analysis of modulation and coding performance, multiple access techniques, waveform optimization, and integration of SoC/FPGA-based communications subsystems.

• Analyze and define modem and RF subsystem architectures for SATCOM systems
• Evaluate modulation and coding schemes (QPSK, 8PSK, APSK variants, LDPC, Turbo, etc.) 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.
• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for SATCOM systems and technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical development of project teams.
• Lead technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and customer readiness reviews.
• Interface directly with customers, government stakeholders, vendors, and subcontractors.

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications system development
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience supporting modem, waveform, or RF subsystem design or integration
• Experience supporting integration and system‑level testing
• Experience working in DoD or defense communications programs
• Strong foundation in RF engineering principles including non‑linear effects, phase noise, filtering, frequency planning, and interference analysis
• Deep understanding of digital communications theory including modulation, coding, synchronization, and detection
• Experience evaluating or implementing ModCod strategies and adaptive coding and modulation
• Experience with multiple access schemes
• Experience performing link budget analysis and system performance modeling
• Experience with FPGA or SoC-based modem architectures
• Experience with modeling/simulation tools such as MATLAB or equivalent
• Ability to translate waveform and RF performance analysis into actionable system requirements
• Active DoD SECRET clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• MS in Electrical Engineering (Communications, RF, or Signal Processing concentration preferred)
• Experience with MILSATCOM (WGS, AEHF, MUOS) or Commercial SATCOM systems
• Experience with protected waveforms and secure modem architectures
• Experience reviewing or contributing to DSP implementations in C/C++ or HDL
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Basic Compensation: $140-155k

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.