Principal System Engineer

RKF, an Auria company, i s looking to hire a Systems Engineer and Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Department of Defense (DoD) military satellite communication to support the design, integration, and enhancement of the Enterprise Management & Control (EM&C) program. This position will lead technical efforts and provide in-depth domain knowledge of DoD SATCOM missions, architecture, and operational challenges. The primary work location is Full Remote Supportable.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO:

• Lead the design, development, integration, and documentation of technical products supporting the EM&C system with a focus on DoD MILSATCOM operations, including wideband, narrowband, protected, or DoD commercial SATCOM systems.
• Serve as the domain expert in military satellite communications, advising stakeholders and system developers on architecture, CONOPS, system behaviors, and future enhancements aligned with mission needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including system developers, testers, operational users, and stakeholders to troubleshoot complex issues, conduct system analyses, and ensure successful delivery of mission-critical capabilities.
• Develop and deliver high-level technical briefings and presentations to DoD customers, program leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in engineering and programmatic reviews; provide technical inputs for Data Products Development, including APIs, databases, telemetry, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) relevant to satellite command and control.
• Translate operational mission requirements into actionable technical requirements, test plans, and system features.

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.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Government Top SECRET security clearance.
• Demonstrated experience as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in DoD military satellite communications (MILSATCOM), with understanding of some of the following systems: AEHF, WGS, MUOS, EHF/SHF/UHF, or other legacy/protected SATCOM architectures
• Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs, including participation in design reviews, requirements development, and architecture definition.
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming languages (e.g., C++, Java, Python) and modern software systems including APIs, databases, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Expertise in modern IT environments, including virtualization, containerization (e.g., Docker/Kubernetes), and cloud deployments (e.g., AWS GovCloud, Azure Government).
• Understanding of military system lifecycles, testing frameworks, and DoD communications system requirements and CONOPS.
• Experience working in an agile systems engineering or DevSecOps environment, especially in space or C2 systems.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills, including developing artifacts such as Interface Control Documents (ICDs), operational procedures, and configuration management records.
• Excellent communication skills; capable of conveying complex technical ideas to military users, engineers, and acquisition managers.

WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS:

• Current U.S. Government Top SECRET clearance.
• Experience with DoD MILSATCOM command and control (C2) systems, products, and interfaces
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum team using tools to assist system development, such as Jira and Confluence, is highly desirable Experience using tools such as JIRA, Confluence, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) frameworks.
• Familiarity with other engineering disciplines (systems, hardware, test, configuration management, and quality engineering) and how they interact with software engineering

PAY TRANSPARENCY: The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $120,000 - $160,000


APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 1, 2026


THE RKF AURIA TEAM:
RKF, an Auria company, 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 RKF, an Auria company
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 Federal Holidays

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 after 3 months and the next quarterly enrollment Jan 1, April 1, July 1, October 1
• 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 from Carefirst
• Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you.
• Option to elect additional Life insurance up to $500K
• Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more.

...and that's just the beginning!


RKF, an Auria company, 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.