Systems Engineering - Telecommunications

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.
SSI is seeking an RF Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) services to a Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. In this position, you will support advanced satellite communications and ground terminal solutions. This role requires deep technical expertise in RF systems engineering, SATCOM, and network integration to enable resilient, high-performance communication systems for mission-critical applications.
Key Requirements

Perform end-to-end RF systems engineering, including link budget analysis, signal propagation studies, EIRP, G/T calculations, and noise figure optimization
Support the design, integration, and validation of SATCOM systems across GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations and waveform technologies
Apply knowledge of mesh networking concepts such as dynamic routing, frequency reuse, and latency optimization
Design, develop, and integrate ground terminal systems including RF front-ends, BUCs, LNBs, antennas, modems, and related hardware
Analyze and optimize waveforms including QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) schemes for spectral efficiency and link robustness
Apply antenna theory and design principles to phased arrays, parabolic reflectors, flat panel antennas, and systems requiring beam steering, polarization control, and precision tracking
Collaborate on network protocol integration, ensuring smooth interoperability between SATCOM and terrestrial TCP/IP, VLAN, and QoS-based infrastructures
Operate and interpret results from RF lab test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and related diagnostic tools
Utilize Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) architectures in both development and troubleshooting roles
Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field and (ten) 10 or more years of experience
Extensive hands-on experience in RF systems design and SATCOM engineering
Familiarity with ground terminal design and satellite communication subsystems
Strong working knowledge of modulation schemes, link budgets, and antenna system performance
Experience with RF lab measurement tools and SDR platforms
Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years)
Willingness to travel up to 10%
Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience supporting military or government communication systems
Knowledge of mesh networking, advanced waveform optimization, and spectrum management
Experience with digital IF, signal processing, and adaptive communications techniques
Familiarity with non-traditional RF sensing technologies and methodologies
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Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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Target salary range: $180,000 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.
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