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Communication Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communication Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Communication Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Communication Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

The Comm Systems Engineer provides space communications, network, and crypto acquisition activities engineering support for space systems. The position requires familiarity with NRO organization ...

The Comm Systems Engineer provides space communications, network, and crypto acquisition activities engineering support for space systems. The position requires familiarity with NRO organization ...

The Comm Systems Engineer provides space communications, network, and crypto acquisition activities engineering support for space systems. The position requires familiarity with NRO organization ...

This is a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support position to assist in defining the future space communication architecture. The candidate will support and lead space capability ...

This is a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support position to assist in defining the future space communication architecture. The candidate will support and lead space capability ...

Description SAIC is seeking a Space Communication Systems Engineer to support the NRO GEOINT System Integration and Architecture (GSIA) office. This is a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance ...

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Communication Systems Engineer information

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$55K

$109.9K

$180K

How much do communication systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for communication systems engineer in the United States is $109,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Communication Systems Engineer do?

A Communication Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that transmit information, such as telecommunications networks, satellite systems, and wireless communication infrastructures. They ensure that data is transmitted efficiently, securely, and reliably between different locations or devices. Their work often involves analyzing system requirements, selecting appropriate technologies, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing system performance. Communication Systems Engineers may work in sectors like telecommunications, aerospace, defense, or information technology.

What are some common challenges Communication Systems Engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Communication Systems Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure, ensuring system reliability, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Coordinating among multidisciplinary teams—such as hardware, software, and network specialists—requires strong collaboration and project management skills. Additionally, engineers must stay updated with evolving communication standards and security protocols to deliver robust, future-proof solutions.

What is the difference between Communication Systems Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectCommunication Systems EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, Cisco, or CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like CCNA, Cisco, or CompTIA
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and maintaining communication infrastructure such as radio, satellite, and telecommunication systemsDesigning, implementing, and managing computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and data centers
Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospace, and broadcast industriesIT, technology, and corporate sectors

Communication Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining communication infrastructure like radio and satellite systems, while Network Engineers primarily manage computer networks. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping industries, but their specific focus areas differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Communication Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communication Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, signal processing, and telecommunications principles, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as MATLAB, hardware description languages (HDLs), and industry standards like LTE or 5G, as well as certifications like Cisco or IEEE, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for designing, optimizing, and maintaining reliable communication networks in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
More about Communication Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Communication Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Communication Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Communication Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,879 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Communication Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Lexington, MA • On-site

$121K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 439 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Communication Systems Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
We are seeking a Communication Systems Engineer to support the MIT LL team.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: Enable critically important communications over vast distances by being the team member to innovate and overcome technical challenges as we spearhead new solutions through advanced prototyping.
  • Collaborative Environment: Come join a team of enthusiastic engineers engaged in creating the next generation of cutting-edge laser communication systems technology.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense and/or defense.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Development of baseband communication link and channel models for SATCOM systems
  • Development of communication system performance analysis models for SATCOM systems
  • Processing and analysis of test data captured in hardware tests

Work Environment:
  • Location: Predominantly on-site
  • Travel Requirements: Willing and able to travel (up to 10%, typically CONUS)
  • Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications:
  • Active DoD Secret clearance
  • Proficiency in Matlab
  • Bachelors Degree
  • 6 years applicable experience
  • Understanding of digital modulation techniques and forward error correction coding implementation
  • Experience with signal processing algorithm implementation to support link establishment and closure
  • Experience with creating SATCOM system performance models
  • Good oral and communication skills
  • Outgoing and energetic with the ability to work within a team environment

Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Python
  • Familiarity with modeling hardware impairments
  • Possess strong oral and written communications skills, and must be able to present findings/results to internal and external organizations
  • Willing and able to travel (up to 25%, typically CONUS)
  • MS in EE, CS, or Physics

Basic Compensation:
For MA only, the salary range is approximately $121,100 - $181,600 USD annually. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998