Satellite Communications Systems Engineer
3M Consultancy, Chantilly, VA, United States
Overview Chantilly, United States | Posted on 06/11/2025
Job Title: Satellite Communications Systems Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary: We’re looking for a hands-on engineer with a strong background in RF, embedded systems, and satellite communications. In this role, you'll be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft communication systems—from radios and antennas to software-defined radios (SDRs) and ground stations. You'll work across hardware and software, supporting everything from initial design to lab testing to in-orbit validation.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex engineering problems, enjoys wearing multiple hats, and wants to contribute to cutting-edge satellite technology.
Core Responsibilities
Design and evolve communication systems for spacecraft, including direct-to-ground links and inter-satellite relays using SDRs
Evaluate and select RF components such as radios and antennas
Perform link budget analyses, capacity planning, and interference mitigation
Collaborate with systems engineering on constellation
etwork design and performance
Support integration and testing of communication subsystems in the lab and with spacecraft partners
Set up and test payload configurations to validate communication performance
Define operational concepts and support ground station integration
Maintain technical documentation throughout development
Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field
Strong hands-on experience with software-defined radios and RF signal processing
Familiarity with integrating radios, antennas, and ground stations—preferably in space systems
Proficiency in C++, C, Python, or MATLAB
Comfortable working in Linux-based environments
Experience with communication protocols and standards like DVB-S2, CCSDS, LoRa, TCP/IP, SNMP, etc.
Prior experience with microcontrollers and embedded software is a plus
Self-motivated and able to work both independently and in collaborative teams
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Job Title: Satellite Communications Systems Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary: We’re looking for a hands-on engineer with a strong background in RF, embedded systems, and satellite communications. In this role, you'll be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft communication systems—from radios and antennas to software-defined radios (SDRs) and ground stations. You'll work across hardware and software, supporting everything from initial design to lab testing to in-orbit validation.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex engineering problems, enjoys wearing multiple hats, and wants to contribute to cutting-edge satellite technology.
Core Responsibilities
Design and evolve communication systems for spacecraft, including direct-to-ground links and inter-satellite relays using SDRs
Evaluate and select RF components such as radios and antennas
Perform link budget analyses, capacity planning, and interference mitigation
Collaborate with systems engineering on constellation
etwork design and performance
Support integration and testing of communication subsystems in the lab and with spacecraft partners
Set up and test payload configurations to validate communication performance
Define operational concepts and support ground station integration
Maintain technical documentation throughout development
Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field
Strong hands-on experience with software-defined radios and RF signal processing
Familiarity with integrating radios, antennas, and ground stations—preferably in space systems
Proficiency in C++, C, Python, or MATLAB
Comfortable working in Linux-based environments
Experience with communication protocols and standards like DVB-S2, CCSDS, LoRa, TCP/IP, SNMP, etc.
Prior experience with microcontrollers and embedded software is a plus
Self-motivated and able to work both independently and in collaborative teams
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