Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

KBR, Inc. is seeking a Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer in San Diego to lead the analysis and definition of modem and RF subsystem architectures for SATCOM platforms, evaluating modulation and coding schemes and supporting FPGA-based modem implementations.

You will define system requirements across RF and baseband interfaces and coordinate with customers and stakeholders. The role demands strong RF engineering fundamentals, digital communications theory, and experience in defense programs, with an

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field with 8+ years in communications system development.
• Hands-on experience supporting modem, waveform, or RF subsystem design or integration.
• Experience with DoD or defense communications programs.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and define modem and RF subsystem architectures for SATCOM systems.
• Assess modulation and coding schemes under operational link conditions.
• Support System-on-Chip (SoC) or FPGA-based modem implementations.
• Define system requirements across RF, IF, baseband, and Layer 2 interfaces.
• Interface with customers, government stakeholders, vendors, and subcontractors.

Skills

RF engineering

Modem design

Digital communications theory

System integration

DoD defense programs experience

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

HDL

FPGA/SoC modem architectures

Job description

Senior Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Systems Engineer

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 & Compensation

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.

Company Culture & Values

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 of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. KBR — Delivering Solutions, Changing the World. KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values: We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential. We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders. We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business. We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed. We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company. We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals. Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.

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.