1

Communication Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Programmatic Communication Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146.40K/yr

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

We are seeking an RF Communication Systems Engineer to support the development, integration, and testing of the communications subsystem throughout the program lifecycle in our offices in Palo Alto ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Communication Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$55K

$109.9K

$180K

How much do communication systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Communication Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Communication Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Communication Systems Engineer job openings:
Wireless Communication Systems Engineer

Wireless Communication Systems Engineer

Motorola

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.


Department OverviewSilvus Technologies, a leading provider of advanced MANET and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical applications - on the ground, in the air and at sea. Its battle-proven StreamCaster family of MANET radios and proprietary MN-MIMO waveform provides the vital communications link for defense, law enforcement and public safety agencies around the world, and in the toughest operational environments.
With deep roots in DARPA research, Silvus Technologies develops world-class advanced communications technologies that are reshaping the tactical communications landscape. From pure line-of-sight to extreme non-line-of-sight, Silvus radios form a self-healing, self-forming mesh network, enabling secure and reliable connectivity, including video and high-bandwidth data.
Silvus Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Job Description

Would you like to join an incredibly talented group of people, doing very challenging work, with the prime directive of "Keeping Our Heroes Connected"?

THE OPPORTUNITY

Silvus is seeking aWireless Communication Systems Engineerwho will report to theR&D Director, Communications Systemson theResearch & Development (R&D)team. The successful individual in this role will participate in all phases of wireless technology projects including planning, design, implementation, prototyping, verification, and validation.

This position is based at Silvus Technologies' headquarters in the heart of vibrantWest Los Angeles,CA,and is on a hybrid schedule; a minimum of 3 days onsite per week is expected. On-site days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • System design and requirement specification.

  • Algorithmic development, simulation, implementation, and testing.

  • System performance simulation, benchmarking, and testing.

  • Fixed point modeling and FPGA design and verification support.

  • Support FPGA and Software development teams for hardware/software implementation and troubleshooting.

  • Lead a team of multi-disciplinary engineers for product and feature development as needed.

  • Setting, tracking, and driving development schedules and tasks.

  • Design and participate in lab and field testing and troubleshooting.

  • Technical material preparation and documentation.

  • Participate in R&D business development and capture efforts as needed.

  • Understand current products and technologies and brainstorm with other teams for future enhancements and strategies.

  • Infrequent travel to support customer interactions or test and demonstration events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • MS. degree or Ph.D. degree in the field of wireless communications and signal processing, electrical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, or relevant engineering fields.

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.

  • Participation in the complete wireless technology development cycle: from design to field testing.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in RF propagation and channel modeling.

  • Comprehensive expertise in all parts of digital communication systems such as RF subsystems, synchronizations, channel estimation, channel coding, etc.

  • Extensive knowledge and expertise in signal processing algorithms, MIMO, OFDM, etc.

  • Strong understanding of modeling and mitigating RF impairments to signals such as AGC, phase noise, frequency/clock offset, etc.

  • Experience with fixed point modeling, implementation, and verification.

  • Expert in MATLAB programming and simulation.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.
  • All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Wireless mobile ad-hoc networking, medium access, and routing algorithms.

  • Cognitive radio congested and contested spectrum and interference mitigation.

  • RF sensing, signal detection, and classification, etc.

  • Technical writing and presentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Office environment.
  • Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and allergens while performing tests or demonstrations in the field.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do the following:
    • Lift equipment up to 20 lbs. for the set-up of demonstrations and testing.
    • Perform bending and reaching movements to place items on lower and higher shelves.
    • Kneeling or squatting to access lower shelves.
    • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. when receiving incoming part shipments.
    • Walking/Moving in the labs.

#silvuscareers

COMPENSATION

CA Pay Range $100,000-$140,000USD

The pay range is NOT a guarantee. It is based on market research and peer data, and will vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

NOTE - As a US Federal Contractor, Silvus Technologies requires that ALL candidates being considered for employment for any position (regardless of level) MUST be a U.S. Person (permanent resident or citizen). Stricter U.S. Citizen ONLY requirements (needed for some Engineering or R&D roles) will be included in the Required Qualifications section of the posted position. This does NOT apply to international positions; only job postings for positions located in the US.

All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.


Basic Requirements
  • MS. degree or Ph.D. degree in the field of wireless communications and signal processing, electrical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, or relevant engineering fields.

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.

  • Participation in the complete wireless technology development cycle: from design to field testing.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in RF propagation and channel modeling.

  • Comprehensive expertise in all parts of digital communication systems such as RF subsystems, synchronizations, channel estimation, channel coding, etc.

  • Extensive knowledge and expertise in signal processing algorithms, MIMO, OFDM, etc.

  • Strong understanding of modeling and mitigating RF impairments to signals such as AGC, phase noise, frequency/clock offset, etc.

  • Experience with fixed point modeling, implementation, and verification.

  • Expert in MATLAB programming and simulation.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.


Travel RequirementsUnder 10%
Relocation ProvidedDomestic
Position TypeExperienced
Referral Payment PlanYes

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


What Motorola Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Motorola Solutions logo

About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928