Systems Engineer

RKF Engineering Solutions, LLC (DBA Auria); Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and holidays

Flex time

12+ paid holidays? not specified

Job summary

Auria is seeking a Mid-Level Systems Engineer to support a ground system software program for an international customer. This role collaborates with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to develop, integrate, and sustain software for satellite subsystems.

Strong satellite communications domain knowledge and RF/test reasoning are highly valued. The role can be remote or hybrid, with a preference for candidates near Colorado Springs, CO or Bethesda, MD, and a salary range of $140,000-$170,000

Qualifications

• 5+ years in the satellite communications field with domain depth.
• Strong understanding of satellite systems, architectures and topologies (GEO/MEO/LEO).
• Experience with RF performance assessments, link budgets, and related metrics.
• Proficiency in C++ and OO languages; Agile/Scrum experience preferred.
• BS/MS in CS, EE, or Systems Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and sustain software for satellite ground systems.
• Collaborate with Program Manager and Chief Engineer on subsystem software.
• Test software against RF and link-level behavior; analyze performance.
• Support end-to-end satellite network performance troubleshooting.

Skills

Satellite communications knowledge

C++ development

OO programming (Java)

Agile/Scrum experience

Network topologies and RF concepts

Education

BS/MS in CS/EE/Systems Engineering

Tools

Git

Jira/Agile tools

Job description

Auria is seeking a Mid-Level Systems Engineer to support a ground system software program for an international customer. This role works closely with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to develop, integrate, and sustain software for subsystems across satellite systems. Strong satellite communications domain knowledge is a priority for this role - candidates who can test and reason about the software against real RF and link-level behavior stand out significantly. This can be a remote or hybrid role. Preference for candidate to be in either Colorado Springs, CO or Bethesda, MD.

WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES:

• Mission-Driven Professional: Collaborative contributor motivated by the opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions that protect and serve both the nation and the world.
• 5+ years of experience in the satellite communications field strongly preferred - candidates with this domain depth stand out significantly over similarly skilled generalists
• Strong understanding of satellite communications systems, architectures, and network topologies, including GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations and their tradeoffs, and bent-pipe vs. regenerative payload architectures
• Familiarity with satellite ground segment components, including gateways, terminals, modems, and network management systems
• Demonstrated experience performing satellite link budget analysis and RF performance assessments, including EIRP, G/T, C/N and C/N, Eb/N, link margins, and availability targets
• Understanding of RF propagation effects - free-space path loss, atmospheric attenuation, rain fade, scintillation, and interference - particularly for Ku- and Ka-band systems, and experience evaluating mitigation strategies for them
• Knowledge of antenna systems, beam patterns, pointing accuracy, polarization, and gain calculations
• Understanding of digital communications principles, including modulation and coding schemes (QPSK, 8PSK, APSK), adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), and multiple access methods (TDMA, FDMA, CDMA, DAMA)
• Familiarity with satellite frequency bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, Q/V) and spectrum coordination/interference mitigation techniques, including relevant ITU and national regulatory frameworks
• Ability to troubleshoot end-to-end satellite network performance, including latency, throughput, QoS, and capacity/availability analysis, using RF and network-layer diagnostics
• 5+ years of experience developing software in C++, Auria's primary language for PPMC software development; strong experience in Java or another object-oriented language will also be considered, as transition to C++ is typically fast
• 3+ years of experience working as part of a larger Agile/Scrum SW development process
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent.

WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS:

• Experience developing modern web-based user interfaces using React, Vue.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, or HTML/CSS - a meaningful differentiator for tooling and dashboard work on PPMC
• Familiarity with responsive design, UI/UX best practices, and integrating web applications with backend services
• Capable of building web services, particularly REST services
• Capable of developing code using multi-threading and asynchronous/synchronous interactions between threads
• Experience with SQL and relational databases
• Experience writing unit, system, and end-to-end tests
• Proficiency writing technical documentation (technical user guides, patch descriptions)

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $140,000-$170,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 5, 2026.

THE AURIA TEAM:

Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers' missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R&D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision.

Why You'll Love Working at Auria

We believe our team does their best work when they are well-supported, financially secure, and have the freedom to balance life outside of the office.

Time for What Matters

• Generous & Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you're with us.
• True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8-to-5.
• 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose.

Invested in Your Future

• 401(k) Match -Yours to Keep Instantly: We match up to 4% of your contributions. Both your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait-period.
• Industry-Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. We don't just hire talent; we grow it.

Health & Peace of Mind

• Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High-quality medical plans paired with a Company-Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future.
• Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you.
• Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more.

...and that's just the beginning!

Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.