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Satcom Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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Satcom Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do satcom systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Satcom Systems Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in satellite communication systems, and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve leadership, complex project management, and working in defense or aerospace industries, sometimes requiring security clearances and long hours.

What engineers make $500,000?

Satcom Systems Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in satellite communication systems, and advanced certifications can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in senior or executive roles within defense, aerospace, or telecommunications industries. High compensation often reflects leadership responsibilities, security clearances, and working in high-demand environments.

What does a satcom engineer do?

A satcom systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains satellite communication systems, ensuring reliable data transmission between satellites and ground stations. They analyze system performance, troubleshoot issues, and may work with RF equipment, antennas, and signal processing tools. Strong technical knowledge and certifications in satellite communications are often required for this role.

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

A Satcom Systems Engineer needs a solid background in electrical engineering, radio frequency (RF) theory, and satellite communications, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like MATLAB, satellite link analysis software, and certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+ are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable satellite communication systems in complex and evolving environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Satcom Systems Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing satellite communication networks?

Satcom Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating emerging technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining signal integrity, and addressing security vulnerabilities. They must rigorously test new hardware or software to prevent disruptions to critical communication links. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including network engineers, software developers, and project managers—is essential to troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth implementation. Staying updated on industry standards and best practices helps mitigate integration risks and supports successful deployments.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

For a Satcom Systems Engineer, earning $150,000 or more annually typically requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often a senior or managerial role. High-paying positions may involve overseeing satellite communication projects, working in specialized industries like defense or aerospace, or holding certifications such as CISSP or PMP. Salaries vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

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

AspectSatcom Systems EngineerSatellite Communications Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CCNA, CompTIA Network+Technical diploma or associate degree, certifications like CompTIA A+ or Satellite Certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee satellite communication systems, often in offices or labsInstall, maintain, and repair satellite equipment on-site or in field locations
Employer & IndustryTelecommunications companies, defense contractors, aerospace firmsSatellite service providers, installation companies, maintenance firms

While both roles involve satellite communications, Satcom Systems Engineers focus on designing and integrating systems, whereas Satellite Communications Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Both roles are essential in the satellite industry and often collaborate to ensure reliable communication services.

What does a Satcom Systems Engineer do?

A Satcom Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains satellite communication systems that enable the transmission of data, voice, and video between remote locations. They are responsible for integrating hardware and software components, ensuring signal integrity, and troubleshooting technical issues related to satellite communication networks. These engineers work on both ground segment and space segment equipment and often collaborate with other engineering teams to support mission-critical operations. Their expertise is vital for industries such as telecommunications, defense, and broadcasting.
More about Satcom Systems Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Satcom Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Satcom Systems Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Satcom Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Tactical SATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test Lead

Tactical SATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test Lead

KBR

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 355 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Tactical SATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test Lead

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

KBR is seeking a Tactical SATCOMSystems IntegrationEngineer Lead to join our team in El Segundo, CA.

You will join aSystems Engineeringteam defining the next generation of space communication systems supporting Protected Tactical SATCOM -Global. You will supportSystems Engineering& Integration activities in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment. The Systems Engineer will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and members of the USSF. The Systems Engineer will lead and support several working groups responsible for leading technical discussion, resolve and identify risk, requirement gaps, developing briefings, writing, and tracking action items, and authoring meeting minutes.

The MILSATCOMSystems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) effort provides leading edgeSystems Engineering& Integration (SE&I) for the Space Force's Space System Center (SSC). We support the Space Force's acquisition of Tactical Satellite Communications systems, providing global protected communications for our nation's warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects:KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment:Be part of a dynamic team that thrives oncollaborationand innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work:Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the Government SEI&T technical lead, accountable for planning, execution, and oversight of systemofsystems integration and verification for PTSG.
  • Lead and manage Government SEIT staff and supporting contractor SEIT teams, ensuring consistent processes, clear technical direction, and alignment with program priorities.
  • Act as the primary SE&I technical authority supporting government decisionmaking across the acquisition lifecycle.
  • Develop and oversee requirements verification documentation, including:
    - Verification requirements and traceability
    - Test plans and procedures
    - Test objectives, methodologies, and evaluation criteria
  • Support development and maintenance of core Systems Engineering documentation, including:
    - Systems Integration and Test Plan (SITP)
    - Systems Engineering Plan (SEP)
    - Systems Verification Plan (SVP)
  • Ensure verification strategies are technically sound, executable, and appropriate for SoS environments involving multiple contractors and interfaces.
  • Develop and evolve operational concepts, requirements, and architectural designs supporting Protected Tactical SATCOM capabilities.
  • Conduct and analyze requirements flowdown, interface definitions, and architectural trade studies.
  • Propose verification approaches, test strategies, and mitigation options for integration challenges and technical risks.
  • Provide systems engineering expertise across the entire lifecycle, from concept development and design through integration, test, and operational transition.
  • Lead implementation of a common Test and Evaluation (T&E) data environment, ensuring consistency across integration and test activities.
  • Integrate and leverage Digital Engineering and Digital Environment processes to support architecture, requirements, and integration tracking.
  • Ensure effective use of modelbased systems engineering (MBSE) and collaboration tools to improve decision transparency and traceability.
  • Support and participate in government and contractor activities including: - Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
    - Deficiency Review Boards (DRBs)
    - Materiel Improvement Process Review Boards (MIPRBs)
    - Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs)
    - Audits and milestone reviews
  • Review and assess integrationrelated deliverables, working across multiple IPTs to refine test and integration strategies.
  • Develop and present technical recommendation packages, assessments, and decision support briefings to customers at multiple leadership levels.
  • Chair or lead IPTs, SE&I working groups, and integration forums as required.
  • Identify, document, and manage systems engineering and integration risks, including development of mitigation strategies.

Work Environment:

  • Location:On-site
  • Travel Requirements:Minimal
  • Working Hours:Standard

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in technical field such as engineering, mathematics, physics, or computer science
  • 15+ years' experience with system specification development, verification, validation, and technical analysis
  • Experience supporting space systems
  • Experience leading SE&I activities across multiple teams or organizations
  • Experience working directly with military or DoD civilian clients

Desired:

  • Secret or higher clearance
  • Master's degree in technical field such as engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science
  • Experience with military satellite communication systems , such as AEHF, EPS, WGS, Protected Tactical SATCOM systems, COMSATCOM
  • Experience with space and ground systems, including satellite communications, ground terminals, command and control systems, and DoD networks
  • Experience supporting government program offices in an acquisition or advisory capacity
  • Experience supporting US Space Force and/or SSC
  • Knowledge of MILSATCOM waveforms and protocols
  • Knowledge and practical experience using Jira and Confluence in SE&I or digital engineering environments
  • Certifications or experience in Agile development environments
  • Systems engineering or program management certifications such as CSEP, ESEP, PMI / PMP

Basic Compensation: $183,000 to $228,000 in California

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998