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Phd Communications Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek

Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

MS or PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a ... Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination Ability ...

Intel

CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX

$165K/yr

PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Electronics and Communications Engineering, or related discipline. * Internship or experience in a CPU design or verification ...

Intel Corporation

CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$165K/yr

PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Electronics and Communications Engineering, or related discipline. * Internship or experience in a CPU design or verification ...

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Phd Communications Engineering information

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$62.5K

$110.7K

$137.5K

How much do phd communications engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd communications engineering in the United States is $110,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD in communications engineering?

A PhD in Communications Engineering is a terminal academic degree focused on advanced research in the design, analysis, and optimization of communication systems and networks. Students in this program study topics such as wireless communications, signal processing, information theory, and emerging technologies like 5G and IoT. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or high-level engineering roles in industry, contributing to innovations in how information is transmitted and received. The program typically involves a combination of coursework and original research culminating in a dissertation.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD graduates in communications engineering when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

PhD graduates in Communications Engineering often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, focusing on practical solutions over theoretical exploration, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams. Unlike academic research, industry projects typically emphasize deliverables, cost-effectiveness, and teamwork. Successfully bridging the gap involves learning to communicate complex ideas to non-experts and aligning research expertise with business goals, which can lead to rewarding career growth in R&D, product development, or technical leadership roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in communications engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Communications Engineering, you need advanced expertise in signal processing, wireless communications, and networking protocols, typically supported by a doctoral degree in electrical or communications engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools (such as MATLAB or Simulink), programming languages (like Python or C++), and research methodologies is essential, along with a strong publication record. Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective written and verbal communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, leading research projects, and contributing to advancements in communications technology.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Communications Engineering jobs?

For Phd Communications Engineering jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Phd Communications Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,693 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Communications Systems Engineer (Optical/Quantum)

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Saic
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Saicexternal

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications engineering experience to support specialized analysis, engineering, design, and operations for Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) customers. We support development of next‑generation and far‑future national security systems across land, sea, air, and space domains.

We are hiring a Communications Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an IC Research & Development (R&D) customer developing advanced hardware, software, and architectural solutions for mission‑critical optical and quantum communication systems.

Responsibilities
  • Perform technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development efforts at the component, subsystem, system, and architecture levels.
  • Evaluate designs and technologies including optical terminals, free‑space optical links, photonic components, entanglement‑based communication architectures, and quantum‑enhanced optical subsystems.
  • Assess emerging technologies and identify gaps related to high‑bandwidth space links, advanced modulation formats, pointing/tracking systems, link budgets, networking performance, and secure quantum‑enabled transport architectures.
  • Support development of technology roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for optical and quantum system modernization.
  • Conduct technical outreach with mission users to capture needs and evaluate applicability of emerging optical and quantum capabilities.
  • Prepare system engineering documentation, technical analyses, and program‑level briefings to communicate findings and strategic recommendations.
  • Provide support to programmatic and acquisition activities, including source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience
  • Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
Desired Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline.
  • 12+ years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in optical or quantum communication systems.
  • 1+ year of experience supporting USG R&D acquisition processes and documentation.
  • Experience with space‑based optical terminals, quantum optical payloads, photonic systems, or advanced quantum‑enhanced communication architectures

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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