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Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commercial SATCOM SME

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Sev1Tech is seeking a Commercial SATCOM SME to support the US Space Force, Space Operations Command ... Experience in systems engineering related field with a specialization in satellite communications ...

Sev1Tech is seeking a Commercial SATCOM SME to support the US Space Force, Space Operations Command ... Experience in systems engineering related field with a specialization in satellite communications ...

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Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do freelance satcom systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance satcom systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer do?

A Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, implements, and maintains satellite communication (Satcom) systems on a project or contract basis. Their work includes configuring satellite networks, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and ensuring optimal performance of communication links. They may also consult with clients to develop customized solutions for satellite data, voice, and video transmission needs across various industries such as telecommunications, defense, and broadcasting. As freelancers, they often handle multiple projects for different clients and need to stay updated with the latest Satcom technologies.

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

A Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer needs strong expertise in satellite communications, RF engineering, and network integration, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like spectrum analyzers, CAD software, and industry-standard certifications such as CCNA or ITU certifications is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for managing projects and collaborating with clients remotely. These competencies ensure the successful design, deployment, and maintenance of reliable satellite communication systems in dynamic freelance environments.

What is the difference between Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer vs Satellite Communications Technician?

AspectFreelance Satcom Systems EngineerSatellite Communications Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in satellite systemsTechnical diploma or associate degree, satellite operation training
Work EnvironmentDesign, consulting, remote project workField installation, maintenance, troubleshooting
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, satellite service providersSatellite operators, telecom companies

While both roles involve satellite communication, Freelance Satcom Systems Engineers focus on designing and consulting on satellite systems, often working remotely or on project basis. Satellite Communications Technicians handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting in the field. The engineer role requires advanced certifications and engineering degrees, whereas technicians typically have technical diplomas. Both are essential in the satellite industry but serve different functions and work environments.

What types of projects and clients can a Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer expect to work with, and how does this influence daily responsibilities?

As a Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer, you may collaborate with a diverse range of clients, including satellite operators, telecommunications companies, defense contractors, and government agencies. Projects can range from designing ground station infrastructure and integrating satellite payloads to troubleshooting network issues or optimizing signal performance. Your daily responsibilities may shift depending on the project's phase, but typically include technical analysis, system configuration, documentation, and virtual meetings with multidisciplinary teams. This variety offers valuable opportunities to broaden your expertise, adapt to new technologies, and build a diverse professional network.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Satcom Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Satcom Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Satcom Systems Engineer jobs include:
Sr. Specialist, SATCOM Systems Engineer 1

Sr. Specialist, SATCOM Systems Engineer 1

L3Harris Technologies

Salt Lake City, UT โ€ข On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customersโ€™ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customersโ€™ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Sr. Specialist Systems Engineerย 

Job Code: 37049

Job Location:ย Salt Lake City, UT

Job Schedule:ย 9/80:ย Employees work 9 out of every 14 days โ€“ totaling 80 hours worked โ€“ and have every other Friday off

Job Description:ย 

L3Harrisโ€™ Communication Systems segment is currently seeking a Senior Specialist Systems Engineer to join our team. This position will be based at our Salt Lake City facility.ย 

The Sr. Specialist Systems Engineer will be responsible for the lifecycle support of data link systems from conceptual development through product phase-out. This includes proposal support, requirements analysis and management, task planning, technical documentation, design oversight participation, design synthesis in a multi-functional engineering environment, build and test support, risk management input, integration and verification test support, system deployment support, and in-house technical support during the operational lifecycle of the system.

The role encompasses systems engineering activities across hardware, software, and integrated system solutions, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with customer requirements, industry standards, and organizational objectives. The Sr. Specialist Systems Engineer will apply systems engineering principles and methodologies to drive technical decision-making, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and ensure successful delivery of engineering solutions throughout all phases of the system development lifecycle.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist in the planning and execution of technical tasks in a focused, high-productivity, collaborative environment while maintaining alignment with program objectives and milestones
  • Manage customer, derived, and allocated requirements across all system levels, including decomposition and allocation of requirements based on system-level analysis and design, ensuring traceability and bidirectional linkage from a verification test matrix to customer and system-level derived requirements
  • Develop and maintain technical specifications, interface control documents, system architecture documentation, test plans and procedures, configuration analysis and processing solutions, verification and validation strategies, and test reports documenting conformance to specifications and acceptance criteria
  • Design, develop, integrate, and test systems as part of a cross-functional team, applying systems engineering principles to ensure technical performance, interoperability, quality, and compliance with requirements.
  • Manage tasks to achieve technical compliance within cost and schedule constraints
  • Provide comprehensive systems engineering expertise across a broad field of engineering disciplines, including research, evaluation, and development for highly complex and technical communication systemsย 
  • Availability to travel 10-20% (CONUS) of the time to customer and subcontractor sites in support of technical meetings, demonstration events, and verification activitie
  • Ability to obtain a secret security clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree (Electrical Engineer or Computer Engineer degree preferred) and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Presentation and communication skills (verbal/written/visual) with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills with the ability to meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Understand coordination of projects and roles of multi-disciplinary technical support personnel
  • Experience designing, building, testing, and optimizing complex communications systems, either SATCOM or line-of-sight, for military applications
  • Experience working with RF lab test equipment including signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and power meters
  • Familiarity with systems engineering tools and software applications for requirements management, modeling and simulation, configuration management, and technical documentation.
  • Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools
  • Experience supporting customer engagements, technical reviews, and program milestone events.
  • Experience with Type 1 encryption products and cyber security
  • Active Secret Security Clearance

#LI-CS3

#LI-CJ1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.