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Satellite Communications Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

At least 12 or more years of experience in satellite communications engineering, preferably supporting defense or intelligence programs. * Lead research and development of novel satellite ...

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

At least 12 or more years of experience in satellite communications engineering, preferably supporting defense or intelligence programs. * Lead research and development of novel satellite ...

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How much do satellite communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite communications engineer in the United States is $113,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a satellite communications engineer do?

A satellite communications engineer designs and provides technical support for hardware and software systems used to communicate with a satellite and track its location while it travels. This job requires you to design new communications systems, update existing ones to be more efficient, or instruct technicians on how to deploy equipment according to plans. You also have to ensure that communications equipment can project and receive signals with as little latency as possible. Another of your responsibilities as a satellite communications engineer is to test systems in a simulated environment before you develop and install them in a satellite pre-launch.

Are satellite communications engineers in demand?

Satellite communications engineers are in high demand due to the growing reliance on satellite technology for global communications, navigation, and data transfer. The industry values skills in RF engineering, signal processing, and satellite systems, with job opportunities expanding in telecommunications, defense, and aerospace sectors.

What are some common challenges satellite communications engineers face when troubleshooting signal issues?

Satellite Communications Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal interference, weather-related disruptions, and equipment malfunctions. Troubleshooting requires a systematic approach to isolate the root cause, which may involve analyzing link budgets, monitoring spectrum usage, and coordinating with both ground and satellite teams. Engineers must also stay up to date with evolving technology standards to ensure compatibility and optimize signal quality across diverse communication networks.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Satellite Communications Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Satellite Communications Engineer jobs are:
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What states have the most Satellite Communications Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Satellite Communications Engineer jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Satellite Communications Engineer jobs? For Satellite Communications Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Satellite Communications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Communications Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,057 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Satellite Communications Engineer

Leidos

Chantilly, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 481 rated business services

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

We're seeking a communications engineer to support mission-critical communications for national security and intelligence operations. You will conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and analyze advanced satellite communication systems to enable design, development, and integration for secure, reliable data, voice, or video transmissions.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, or related field.
  • At least 12 or more years of experience in satellite communications engineering, preferably supporting defense or intelligence programs.
  • Lead research and development of novel satellite communication technologies for national security applications.
  • Perform system-level analysis, link budget calculations, and simulations to optimize performance under operational constraints.
  • Integrate satellite communications with ground stations, mobile platforms, and other defense assets.
  • Analyze and resolve technical issues in deployed systems, including RF interference and encryption challenges.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including government and contractor personnel, to ensure mission success.
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, system architectures, and compliance records.
  • Support field testing, validation, and operational deployment of satellite communications hardware and software.
  • Provide technical briefings and training to stakeholders and end-users.
  • An active TS/SCI with a polygraph security clearance is required to be considered for this position. This position does not offer clearance sponsorship.

Desired:

  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.
  • Expertise in RF and microwave system design, signal processing, and satellite network engineering.
  • Experience in investigating and documenting existing system architectures for defense platforms.
  • Subject matter expertise in advanced system concepts related to aerospace, spacecraft, or military communications.
  • Experience with DoD acquisition processes and documentation.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 6, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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