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Satellite Communication Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior FPGA Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Implementing and contributing to the architecture of next generation satellite communication ... Comfort working closely with HW/RF engineering specialties on design and configuration for RF ...

Senior FPGA Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$91K - $159K/yr

We bring innovation, integration and intelligence to satellite-based IP communications that ... Supporting system integration and Test Engineering to produce functional design * Implementing and ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ... The Comm Systems Engineer provides space communications, network, and crypto acquisition activities ...

We bring innovation, integration and intelligence to satellite-based IP communications that ... Supporting system integration and Test Engineering to produce functional design * Implementing and ...

We bring innovation, integration and intelligence to satellite-based IP communications that ... Supporting system integration and Test Engineering to produce functional design * Implementing and ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ... The Comm Systems Engineer provides space communications, network, and crypto acquisition activities ...

Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation ... The Comm Systems Engineer provides space communications, network, and crypto acquisition activities ...

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Design and test high-speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ... AIE-ML or AIE programming, specifically intrinsic based development. Preferred Qualifications

New

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Design and test high-speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ... AIE-ML or AIE programming, specifically intrinsic based development. Preferred Qualifications

RF Systems Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Understanding of satellite communication systems * Knowledge of RF safety and exposure standards

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Design and test high‑speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ... AIE‑ML or AIE programming, specifically intrinsic based development. Preferred Qualifications

RF Systems Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Understanding of satellite communication systems * Knowledge of RF safety and exposure standards

RF Systems Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Understanding of satellite communication systems * Knowledge of RF safety and exposure standards

Senior FPGA_AIE Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Design and test high‑speed FPGA systems for satellite communication systems. * Build with AMD ... AIE‑ML or AIE programming, specifically intrinsic based development. Preferred Qualifications

New

Showing results 21-40

Satellite Communication Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$62K

$112.1K

$162.1K

How much do satellite communication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite communication engineer in Virginia is $112,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $140,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite communication engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Communication Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or telecommunications engineering, strong knowledge of RF (radio frequency) principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with satellite ground station equipment, modulation/demodulation systems, and industry certifications such as CCNA or SATCOM-specific credentials are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set standout professionals apart. These skills are crucial for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex satellite communication systems that ensure reliable global connectivity.

What does a satellite communication engineer do?

A Satellite Communication Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining communication systems that use satellites to transmit and receive data, voice, and video signals. They work on the technical aspects of satellite networks, including uplink and downlink frequencies, modulation schemes, and ground station equipment. Their work ensures reliable and efficient communication for applications such as television broadcasting, internet access, military operations, and disaster response. Satellite Communication Engineers also troubleshoot issues, monitor system performance, and may be involved in the development of new technologies to improve satellite communications.

What are some common challenges satellite communication engineers face when working with ground station equipment?

Satellite Communication Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal interference, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining reliable connectivity in adverse weather conditions. Troubleshooting these issues requires a strong understanding of RF systems and the ability to collaborate with network and hardware teams. Additionally, staying updated on the latest satellite protocols and regulatory requirements is essential for ensuring compliance and optimal performance. Effective communication with operations and support staff is key to resolving issues quickly and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Satellite Communication Engineer vs Satellite Systems Technician?

AspectSatellite Communication EngineerSatellite Systems Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related field; certifications like CCNA, Cisco, or RF certificationsDiploma or associate degree in Electronics or Telecommunications; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee satellite communication systems; often in offices or labsInstall, maintain, and repair satellite equipment; fieldwork and on-site troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom companies, satellite service providers, aerospace firmsSatellite service providers, telecom companies, maintenance firms

Satellite Communication Engineers focus on designing and developing satellite systems, requiring higher education and certifications. In contrast, Satellite Systems Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in the satellite industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Communication Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Satellite Communication Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Communication Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Communication Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Satellite Communication Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Satellite Communication Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Satellite Communication Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,087 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Senior FPGA Engineer

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Herndon, VA • On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Overview

iDirectGov's hubs, satellite routers and network management software address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. iDirect Government’s specialized technology includes transmission security (TRANSEC), Communication Signal Interference Removal (CSIR) anti‑jam technology and Open Antenna Modem Interface Protocol (OpenAMIP). We bring innovation, integration and intelligence to satellite‑based IP communications that government and military organizations trust. By providing quality certifications with the most bandwidth‑efficient, scalable and highly secure platform, we have rapidly become the technology provider of choice for military and government‑driven mission‑critical applications.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a team player with solid technical skills to work with our team of smart, creative, and dedicated engineering team‑members. This position is based out of our Herndon, VA location with the option of a remote work schedule.

  • Designing and testing complex, high speed, FPGA designs
  • Designing and supporting top‑level simulations
  • Translating requirements into FPGA architectures
  • Implementing and documenting FPGA designs using HDL (System Verilog, VHDL, etc.)
  • Supporting system integration and Test Engineering to produce functional design
  • Implementing and contributing to the architecture of next generation satellite communication systems such as DVB‑S2X, LPI/LPD, 5G‑NR, etc.
  • Designing the implementations for further advances in adaptive TDMA, SCPC return channels, including modeling and design of algorithms for real time embedded system implementation and Anti‑Jam technologies
  • Supporting integration of FDMA and TDMA waveforms
  • Creating test plans to assure integrated performance meets specification
  • Writing internal and external facing documents about iDirect Government physical layer FPGA technology
  • Producing simulations of and designs for communication channels enabling the study of both channel improvement measures, such as pre‑distortion/pre‑coding as well as overall satellite communication system efficiency
Qualifications
  • 8+ years of related experience
  • FPGA design experience using Verilog/System Verilog or VHDL languages targeting Xilinx/Altera FPGA’s
  • FPGA design experience with physical synthesis, static timing analysis, formal verification, power analysis, and other DRC centric tools
  • Experience with ModelSim/QuestaSim simulation tools
  • Experience with Altera/Xilinx development tools
  • Demonstrated ability to verify digital logic designs with System Verilog
  • Demonstrated understanding in timing closure, clock domain crossings, etc.
  • Understanding of Software Defined Radio (SDR) in regards to abstracting hardware
  • Experience with HW PCB tools, and HW test equipment to find and debug interfaces at a physical level
  • Ability to plan/perform analysis, studies/trade‑offs in support of subsystem specification and hardware, FPGA and software design recommendations
  • Comfort working closely with HW/RF engineering specialties on design and configuration for RF communication systems
  • Experience in writing low‑level test software such as C/C++, LabView, Python, etc.
  • Experience in Digital Signal Processing on FPGAs and SDR waveform implementation
  • Experience in SoC multi‑processor designs specifically: Xilinx Zynq MPSoC, Xilinx Versal, Altera SoC FPGA
  • Experience with JTAG, DAC/ADC functional and RF parametric test development
  • Experience with high‑speed interfaces such as JESD‑204C, 10/40G Ethernet, Aurora, etc.
  • Familiarity in RF chain design and considerations
  • RF measurement experience and use of RF test and measurement Equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, signal generators, etc.
  • Experience with both Altera and Xilinx design and verification tools

Additional experience in the following areas is a plus:

  • Experience with various control loops
  • Experience with FPGA Direct Memory Access IP (i.e. Xilinx DMA Engine or similar)
  • Experience with IEEE 1588/PTP networking
  • Experience implementing DSP algorithms in RTL
  • Experience with modulators/demodulators, forward error correction, adaptive channels, anti‑Jam algorithms, etc.
  • Familiarity with Networking, TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, etc.
  • Experience with Xilinx and/or Altera high level synthesis tools
  • Experience with Matlab/Simulink or equivalent for development of DSP algorithms implemented in FPGA’s
  • Experience implementing DSP algorithms in System Generator or similar tools
  • Satellite Communication experience
  • Familiarity with Linux driver development or usage

Education: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related field (must be from accredited college or university); MSEE/MSCE preferred

Clearance: Active DoD security clearance or ability to obtain a secret level DoD clearance.

Travel: 0-10%

iDirect Government is an Equal Opportunity / Affytive Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status.

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