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Satellite Communication Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

... satellite-ground infrastructure-the first and only space-based cellular broadband network ... BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related field from a ...

The Principal Space Engineer will be expected to lead various satellite communication RF ... engineering activities including designing and sustaining end-to-end satellite systems at all ...

The Software Engineer will lead the development of mission-critical systems, focusing on customer-facing roles and supporting complex satellite communication technologies through software design ...

Jr. RF Engineer

Germantown, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Jr. RF Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support ... Design of new products from concept to full production for Satellite Communication, Navigation, 5G ...

Jr. RF Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Jr. RF Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support ... Design of new products from concept to full production for Satellite Communication, Navigation, 5G ...

RAN Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

... satellite-ground infrastructure-the first and only space-based cellular broadband network ... BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related field from a ...

RF Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As an RF Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support ... Design of new products from concept to full production for GPS, Satellite Communication, 5G, 4G LTE ...

RF Engineer

Germantown, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As an RF Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support ... Design of new products from concept to full production for GPS, Satellite Communication, 5G, 4G LTE ...

Showing results 21-40

Satellite Communication Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$64.6K

$116.9K

$169K

How much do satellite communication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite communication engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $116,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,400.00 and $146,800.00 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 Silver Spring, MD?

For Satellite Communication Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Satellite Communication Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Satellite Communication Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Satellite Communication Engineer jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Satellite Communication Engineer job openings:

Sr. Principal Communications Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

Mclean, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

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 for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.
Department Summary:
As an operator of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), MITRE staff apply technical expertise to impact critical national security missions. The Advanced Wireless & SATCOM Department supports sponsors across the defense and intelligence communities by providing systems engineering, integration, and test & evaluation expertise in resilient communications and SATCOM systems.
The Space Communications Engineering team provides senior technical analysis, systems engineering, and independent assessment support for advanced satellite, airborne, and enterprise communications systems. The team helps government sponsors evaluate communications architectures, emerging technologies, and mission-driven technical alternatives across the program lifecycle.
We are seeking a part-time Senior Principal Communications Engineer to provide highly experienced technical guidance in satellite communications, communications modeling and simulation, performance analysis, and systems engineering. The successful candidate will help translate complex communications engineering issues into actionable recommendations for technical leaders, program decision-makers, and sponsor stakeholders.
Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Provide senior-level technical analysis and engineering guidance for space-based, airborne, and enterprise communications systems.
  • Conduct systems reviews, performance evaluations, trade studies, and feasibility assessments across the communications program lifecycle.
  • Analyze satellite communications architectures, waveforms, link budgets, propagation effects, anti-jam techniques, multi-access approaches, and network performance considerations.
  • Apply modeling and simulation methods to evaluate SATCOM and tactical communications system performance, mission effectiveness, risks, and alternatives.
  • Support system integration and engineering activities tailored to sponsor mission requirements, including requirements analysis, architecture review, technical risk identification, and technology evaluation.
  • Evaluate emerging communications technologies and provide independent technical recommendations on applicability, maturity, integration risk, and operational value.
  • Engage with sponsors and senior stakeholders to explain complex communications concepts, technical tradeoffs, and the "so what" of alternative approaches in clear, decision-ready language.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 10 years and a Masters Degree; or a PhD with 7 years of experience.
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics,
  • Significant experience in satellite communications, space communications, tactical communications, or enterprise communications systems engineering.
  • Demonstrated expertise in communications system performance analysis, including link budgets, modulation and coding, propagation effects, interference considerations, and network performance.
  • Demonstrated experience with modeling and simulation of SATCOM or tactical communications systems.
  • Experience conducting technical reviews, trade studies, architecture assessments, feasibility analyses, or independent engineering evaluations.
  • Ability to produce clear technical reports, briefings, and recommendations for senior technical, programmatic, and sponsor audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently in a part-time senior technical advisory role while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance within one year of hire
  • Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements for a clearance, U.S Citizenship is required.
  • This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD or advanced graduate study in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 25+ years of experience in satellite communications, communications systems engineering, or communications modeling and simulation.
  • Deep expertise in SATCOM concepts such as link budget analysis, modulation/coding, spread spectrum, multi-access, anti-jam techniques, frequency coordination, fading-channel analysis, and SATCOM network performance.
  • Experience with modeling and simulation tools such as OPNET, QualNet, STK, JCSS, MATLAB, Python, or similar communications analysis environments.
  • Prior experience supporting FFRDC, DoD, DHS, Intelligence Community, or other government sponsor technical work programs.
  • Experience serving in a senior technical advisory, chief engineer, portfolio technical lead, or independent technical oversight role.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor technical staff, review technical products, and strengthen the quality and rigor of sponsor-facing engineering analysis.
  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$188,400 - $235,500 - $282,600 Annual
Work Location Type:
Hybrid
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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