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Communications Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking a communications engineer to support mission-critical communications for national security and intelligence operations. You will conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and ...

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking a communications engineer to support mission-critical communications for national security and intelligence operations. You will conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and ...

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking a communications engineer to support mission-critical communications for national security and intelligence operations. You will conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and ...

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking a communications engineer to support mission-critical communications for national security and intelligence operations. You will conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and ...

MANTECH

Unified Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

MANTECH is seeking a motivated, career and customer-oriented Unified Communications Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA, to support a large enterprise IT system. Responsibilities include, but ...

MANTECH

Unified Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

MANTECH is seeking a motivated, career and customer-oriented Unified Communications Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA, to support a large enterprise IT system. Responsibilities include, but ...

ManTech

Unified Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$114K - $190K/yr

MANTECH is seeking a motivated, career and customer-oriented Unified Communications Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA, to support a large enterprise IT system. Responsibilities include, but ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunications Engineer JobsCommunications Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Communications Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$62K

$109.7K

$136.3K

How much do communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications engineer in Virginia is $109,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $128,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Communications Engineer do?

A Communications Engineer designs, develops, and maintains communication systems and networks, such as telephone, radio, satellite, and internet connections. They ensure reliable and efficient transmission of data and voice signals, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement new technologies to improve performance. Communications Engineers may work with both hardware and software, collaborating with other technical teams to support large-scale infrastructure projects and meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Communications Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectCommunications EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, service providers, infrastructure projectsIT departments, data centers, enterprise networks
Industry UsageTelecommunications, broadcasting, satellite communicationsInformation technology, internet service providers, corporate networks

While both roles involve network and communication systems, Communications Engineers focus on designing and maintaining telecommunication infrastructure, whereas Network Engineers primarily manage and optimize computer networks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What Is a Communications Engineer?

A communications engineer builds and maintains telecommunication systems, from radio to satellite to internet technologies. As a communications engineer, your job duties include designing and developing communications networks from the ground up, installing and testing communications systems, troubleshooting and debugging existing systems, and fixing problems as they arise. The qualifications for a career as a communications engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, and experience working on communications systems. You need strong technical skills and the ability to continuously learn new technologies.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Communications Engineer, you need a solid understanding of telecommunications principles, networking, signal processing, and typically a degree in electrical or communications engineering. Familiarity with tools such as network analyzers, RF simulation software, and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ are often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure reliable, secure, and high-performing communications systems in rapidly evolving technology environments.

What are some common challenges Communications Engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Communications Engineers working on large-scale infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as integrating new systems with legacy technologies, ensuring network security and reliability, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. They must also manage tight deadlines and evolving project requirements, which can require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication with stakeholders, including project managers, IT professionals, and external vendors, is essential to successfully address these challenges and deliver robust communication solutions.

How much does a communications engineer get paid?

The average salary for a communications engineer in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $130,000 annually.

What does a communication engineer do?

A communication engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that transmit data, voice, and video signals, such as telecommunications networks, wireless systems, and internet infrastructure. They work with hardware, software, and protocols, often using tools like network analyzers and simulation software, and may require certifications like Cisco or CompTIA. Their role involves troubleshooting, optimizing performance, and ensuring reliable communication services in various environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.
More about Communications Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Communications Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Communications Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Communications Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Communications Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Communications Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Communications Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Communications Engineer jobs in VA? For Communications Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Communications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,743 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Satellite Communications Engineer

Satellite Communications Engineer

Leidos

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
We're seeking a communications engineer to support mission-critical communications for national security and intelligence operations. You will conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and analyze advanced satellite communication systems to enable design, development, and integration for secure, reliable data, voice, or video transmissions.
EXPERIENCE
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, or related field.
  • At least 12 or more years of experience in satellite communications engineering, preferably supporting defense or intelligence programs.
  • Lead research and development of novel satellite communication technologies for national security applications.
  • Perform system-level analysis, link budget calculations, and simulations to optimize performance under operational constraints.
  • Integrate satellite communications with ground stations, mobile platforms, and other defense assets.
  • Analyze and resolve technical issues in deployed systems, including RF interference and encryption challenges.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including government and contractor personnel, to ensure mission success.
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, system architectures, and compliance records.
  • Support field testing, validation, and operational deployment of satellite communications hardware and software.
  • Provide technical briefings and training to stakeholders and end-users.
  • An active TS/SCI with a polygraph security clearance is required to be considered for this position. This position does not offer clearance sponsorship.

Desired:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.
  • Expertise in RF and microwave system design, signal processing, and satellite network engineering.
  • Experience in investigating and documenting existing system architectures for defense platforms.
  • Subject matter expertise in advanced system concepts related to aerospace, spacecraft, or military communications.
  • Experience with DoD acquisition processes and documentation.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 6, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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