Systems Engineer (SATCOM)

Ardent Principles; United States; On-site; USD 130,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Dedicated training budget

Employer‑covered health/dental/vision

401(k) with match

Paid government holidays

Spot bonuses

Job summary

Ardent Principles is seeking a senior Systems Engineer with deep SATCOM expertise to support complex programs from concept through deployment. You will lead requirements development, vendor coordination, test planning, system validation, and customer-facing documentation with precision and confidence.

This role requires an engineering background—ideally Electrical—and the ability to navigate RF systems, network infrastructure, and manufacturing quality standards.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree, preferably Electrical, with 7 to 20 years of experience.
• Experience in systems engineering for the hardware and software lifecycle.
• Drafting requirements, engaging vendors, managing program reviews, and test planning.
• Identifying and championing new technical solutions.
• Hands‑on validation and testing with test plans and reports.
• Ability to work with customer contracting processes.
• RF systems, network infrastructure, quality standards and manufacturing expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead requirements development and vendor coordination through deployment.
• Develop test plans, coordinate testing, and document results.
• Draft formal technical documentation for varied audiences.
• Support customer contracting processes.
• Navigate customer approval processes for testing and deployment.
• Ensure RF systems and network infrastructure meet quality standards.
• Travel up to 10% domestically and overseas.

Skills

SATCOM expertise

Hardware design

Systems engineering

Requirements drafting

Vendor coordination

Test planning

RF systems

Network infrastructure

Education

Electrical engineering degree

7–20 years experience

Job description

Systems Engineer (SATCOM)

Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: McLean, VA

Compensation: $130,000 - $260,000 / year

Description

REQUIRED : Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph

LOCATION: Full-time onsite in McLean, VA

We are looking for a senior Systems Engineer with deep SATCOM expertise to support complex technical programs from concept through deployment. You'll lead requirements development, vendor coordination, test planning, system validation, and customer-facing documentation with precision and confidence. This role demands a strong engineering background---ideally Electrical Engineering---and the ability to navigate RF systems, network infrastructure, communication protocols, and manufacturing quality standards.

Who We Are: We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence

At Ardent Principles, passionate integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence define who we are. We offer a competitive salary range and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term success. Our mission is to connect fulfilled employees with satisfied clients, ensuring your well‑being and professional satisfaction directly contribute to exceptional outcomes for those we serve.

Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high-impact solutions.

Key Responsibilities

In this challenging yet rewarding role, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life.

MUST HAVE EXTENSIVE SATCOM AND HARDWARE DESIGN EXPERIENCE.

You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:

• Engineering degree, preferably Electrical degree with 7 to 20 years of experience.
• Expertise in systems engineering supporting the end-to-end lifecycle of complex technical developments involving hardware and software.
• Drafting requirements, engaging 3rd party vendors, managing formal program reviews, generating test plans and guiding troubleshooting.
• Identifying and championing new technical solutions.
• Technical development on both very short and intermediate timelines.
• Supporting the customers contracting processes.
• Customer formal documentation systems and strong ability to draft technical documentation for different audiences.
• Hands‑on‑technical validation and testing of technical systems, including test plan development, testing coordination, and test report documentation.
• Working with the Customer's approval processes for technical testing and system deployment.
• Engineering or technical background with strong ability to apply technical domains of RF systems network infrastructure, communication protocols, quality standards, and manufacturing.

TRAVEL :

Willingness to travel both domestically and overseas to support development and deployment of technical systems (travel up to 10%).

Highly Desired Qualifications

Other skills and demonstrated experiences with or in the following are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work include:

• Working with satellite communications/systems.
• Computer networking.
• Working with customer technical tools.

What We Offer You

• Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
• 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
• 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
• 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
• Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.

SCHEDULE:

This is a full‑time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in McLean, VA during core hours.