Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: SATCOM Systems Engineer

Job Description

This role serves as the technical lead for development programs focused on RF and SATCOM systems integration, with a particular emphasis on integrating components and subsystems into existing SATCOM terminals, modems, and RF ground architectures across C, X, Ku, and Ka frequency bands. The engineer bridges systems-level architecture with day-to-day engineering execution by generating systems engineering artifacts, coordinating work breakdown structures with the Program Manager, and directing a cross-functional development team. The position reports into a technology organization and involves close collaboration with customers, test engineers, embedded software, DSP, and FPGA teams to design, characterize, verify, and deliver innovative SATCOM solutions for tactical, naval, and strategic border protection applications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for a cross-functional development team, providing daily technical direction and assigning engineering tasks on a daily and weekly basis.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to define the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), develop schedules, and allocate resources to meet program milestones.
• Author and maintain systems engineering documentation throughout the program lifecycle, including system requirements documents, design documents, block diagrams, RF link cascades, and hardware and software Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Lead systems-level architecture and integration efforts for internally developed components that integrate with or enhance existing SATCOM terminals, modems, and RF ground architectures.
• Support the design, integration, and testing of SATCOM solutions into Department of Defense SATCOM systems operating in C, X, Ku, and Ka bands, ensuring compliance with relevant military standards for SATCOM terminals and modems.
• Apply knowledge of military standards governing SATCOM terminals and modems to guide system design, compliance verification, and configuration activities.
• Assist test engineers in developing comprehensive Test Plans and Test Procedures for SATCOM systems, ensuring adequate coverage of functional and performance requirements.
• Support test engineers in creating automated test scripts using Python for test automation, scripting, and data analysis.
• Collaborate closely with DSP and FPGA engineers on signal processing aspects of SATCOM, including waveform processing and implementation considerations.
• Use a basic understanding of FPGAs and signal processing concepts to contribute to SATCOM waveform processing design and integration.
• Perform system-level analysis of SATCOM architectures and configurations and produce clear technical documentation of findings and recommendations.
• Support system integration activities in both laboratory and field environments, including setup, troubleshooting, and optimization of SATCOM systems.
• Lead and participate in design reviews, technical exchanges, system demonstrations, and customer meetings, representing the technical status and direction of the program.
• Coordinate with embedded software, RF, and hardware teams to ensure that all components and subsystems are properly designed, characterized, and verified prior to delivery.
• Ensure that SATCOM systems and integrated components meet performance, reliability, and interoperability requirements defined by program stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience working with Department of Defense SATCOM systems in a design, integration, or systems engineering capacity.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead or systems lead on a multi-disciplinary engineering team, including task assignment and cross-functional coordination.
• Experience collaborating with a Program Manager on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) development, scheduling, and milestone tracking.
• Proficiency in producing systems engineering documentation, including requirements documents, design documents, block diagrams, RF cascade analyses, and hardware/software Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Working knowledge of military standards for SATCOM terminals and SATCOM modems, including familiarity with relevant DoD SATCOM specifications.
• Hands-on experience with SATCOM modems such as iDirect, Comtech, and/or ViaSat.
• Strong understanding of C, X, Ku, and Ka band satellite systems, including link characteristics and operational differences across these frequency bands.
• Basic understanding of FPGAs and signal processing concepts as they apply to SATCOM waveform processing.
• Experience supporting test engineers with the development of Test Plans and Test Procedures for SATCOM or RF systems.
• Basic understanding of Python for test automation, scripting, and data analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, interface specifications, and system diagrams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical documentation and communicate effectively with technical teams and program stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship and an active Department of Defense Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience integrating internally developed RF or signal processing components into SATCOM terminal or modem architectures.
• Familiarity with SATCOM link budget analysis and RF system performance calculations.
• Experience with Line-of-Sight (LOS) radio systems and waveforms from major defense communications providers.
• Experience in RF, SATCOM, systems engineering, and documentation for complex communications systems.
• Experience working within organizations that support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in demanding operational environments.
• Ability to lead technical exchanges and collaborate effectively with customers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple technical priorities within structured program schedules.

Work Environment

The role is based in a hybrid work arrangement anchored in Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland, combining on-site work with remote flexibility as program needs dictate. The organization is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF transmission systems, network design, systems integration, and digital signal processing (DSP). Teams design and integrate advanced communications, networking, and information technology solutions that support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments. The work environment is highly collaborative and technically focused, bringing together RF, systems, software, DSP, and FPGA engineers to deliver solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide. Employees benefit from a culture that blends the technical depth of a large company with the agility of a smaller organization, enabling rapid innovation and close customer engagement. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including full benefits coverage, 2–4+ weeks of vacation time, and 11 paid holidays, supporting a healthy balance between demanding technical work and personal time.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.

The pay range for this position is $62.50 - $81.74/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Aberdeen Proving Ground,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.