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Communications Systems Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Title: Communication Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Enable critically important communications over vast distances by being the team member to innovate ...

Title: Communication Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Enable critically important communications over vast distances by being the team member to innovate ...

Title: Communication Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Enable critically important communications over vast distances by being the team member to innovate ...

Title: Communication Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Enable critically important communications over vast distances by being the team member to innovate ...

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Showing results 1-20

Communications Systems Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$59.7K

$119.4K

$195.5K

How much do communications systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications systems engineer in Boston, MA is $119,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a communications systems engineer do?

A Communications Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that enable the transmission of information, such as voice, data, and video, over various communication networks. They work with technologies like satellite, radio, fiber optics, and wireless systems to ensure reliable and efficient communication. Their role often involves system analysis, troubleshooting, optimization, and integration of hardware and software components to meet specific communication requirements. They may also collaborate with other engineers and stakeholders to develop new technologies or improve existing systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications systems engineer?

To thrive as a Communications Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, digital signal processing, and telecommunications, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, network protocols, RF test equipment, and certifications such as CCNA or similar are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help in collaborating on complex projects and explaining technical concepts to non-experts. These skills are vital to designing, optimizing, and maintaining reliable communication systems critical for modern connectivity.

What are some common challenges faced by communications systems engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Communications Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and new technologies, managing potential disruptions during transitions, and meeting tight project deadlines. These professionals must carefully assess system requirements, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and implement thorough testing protocols to minimize risks. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as projects frequently involve collaboration with hardware specialists, software developers, and network administrators to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

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

AspectCommunications Systems EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field; 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 systems such as radio, satellite, and fiber opticsDesigning, implementing, and managing computer networks and infrastructure
Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospace, governmentIT, corporate, service providers, data centers

While both roles require similar certifications and often work in related industries, Communications Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining communication infrastructure, whereas Network Engineers primarily manage computer networks. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Communications Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

For Communications Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Communications Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Communications Systems Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,366 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Lead Wireless Communications Systems Engineer with Security Clearance

Bedford, MA • On-site


MITRE Corporation
IT Services • 5 - 10K employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 450 rated engineering

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We're a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies - collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation's health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose - and help shape the future. Department Summary:
MITRE's Technology & Engineering Organization has an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic technical team having a substantial impact on the design and development of communications systems in support of various U.S. Government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and others. Our sponsors rely on a wide range of wireless communications systems, including commercial radios, cellular technologies, satellite communications, tactical data links, and other mission-critical systems. We assess, design, analyze, prototype, and test advanced communications technologies to further the public good. We are seeking Lead Communications Systems Engineers with knowledge of Military Communications to lead the specification development, integration, and test strategies of next generation Military Communications systems. This is an opportunity for a Communications Systems Engineer who is highly motivated, innovative and proactive. This position provides challenging opportunities to apply and expand one's systems architecture, modeling and trade space analysis skills. Job Responsibilities Include: * Performing systems engineering analysis for requirement trades, design and integration trades, end-to-end performance analysis, and identifying risk mitigation approaches
* Articulating major uncertainties associated with systems architectures, defining risks and opportunities associated with the uncertainties.
* Communicating work program uncertainties, risks and opportunities with department leadership and Sponsors
* Leading the development, decomposition, and review system requirements
* Supporting requirements management, interface management and architecture change management processes
* Translating analysis results into actionable recommendations for the US Government agencies
* Tasks may include leading working groups or studies covering multiple engineering domains while interfacing and collaborating across multiple stakeholders to create timely and actionable recommendations.
* Tasks may also include hands-on prototyping, integration, and testing activities. Required Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of related experience; or Master's degree and 6 years; or a PhD and 3 years with relevant experience.
* Demonstrated proficiency and strength in verbal and written communication skills.
* Demonstrated proficiency in virtual and live presentation of complex technical issues.
* Experience with planning, executing and presenting complex trade studies.
* Experience in systems engineering with expertise across the development lifecycle from concept development, through requirements definition, system development and integration, and into verification.
* Experience in leading multiple engineering disciplines to provide solutions to complex problems that require unified software, hardware, mechanical and reliability approaches while balancing cost and schedule constraints.
* Experience in leading the evaluation and testing of complex systems.
* Strong social skills to effectively collaborate across multiple organizations and engineering disciplines.
* Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain DoD TS/SCI clearance.
* Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
* This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site Preferred Qualifications: * Advanced degree in technical field of study with 10 years of experience and leadership experience
* Candidates that possess a current/active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance are preferred.
* Familiarity with Military Communications, especially familiarity with EHF and AEHF SATCOM and associated Satellite Communications terminals (MILSTAR, FAB-T, FET, SMART-T, SCAMP)
* Familiarity with Tactical and Airborne Communication Systems.
* Familiarity with acquisition strategy including DODD 5000.01 and Middle Tier Acquisition (Section 804)
* Experience with multi-disciplinary modeling and simulation (physics-level, engineering-level and/or operational-level)
* Documented success applying modern system engineering methods including MBSE.
* Experience with capabilities trade analysis, mission analysis, information assurance, systems integration, and understanding of the relationships between operational, technical, and system's architecture.
* Familiarity with Resilient and Survivable Communications This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$156,400 - $195,500 - $234,600 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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