1

Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Demonstrated experience performing satellite link budget analysis and RF performance assessments ... Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent. WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS: * Experience developing ...

Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site +1

$140K - $170K/yr

Demonstrated experience performing satellite link budget analysis and RF performance assessments ... Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent. WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS: * Experience developing ...

Showing results 41-60

Satellite Rf Engineer information

What is a satellite RF engineer?

Satellite RF Engineers are specialists who design, develop, test, and maintain radio frequency (RF) systems used in satellite communications. They are responsible for ensuring reliable transmission and reception of signals between satellites and ground stations, often working with antennas, transmitters, receivers, and other RF components. Their expertise is crucial for enabling services such as satellite TV, internet, navigation, and remote sensing. Satellite RF Engineers also troubleshoot signal issues, optimize system performance, and comply with regulatory standards.

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

To thrive as a Satellite RF Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, with expertise in radio frequency (RF) theory, satellite communications, and often a relevant degree. Familiarity with RF simulation software (like CST or HFSS), spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and industry certifications such as FCC licensing are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork enhance success in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure reliable satellite communication systems and efficient troubleshooting in a highly technical, mission-critical environment.

What are some common challenges satellite RF engineers face when working on satellite communication systems?

Satellite RF Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal interference, atmospheric attenuation, and ensuring reliable communication links over long distances. Dealing with strict regulatory standards and coordinating frequency allocations is also part of the role. Additionally, troubleshooting hardware in remote or space-based environments can require creative solutions and close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as system integration and network operations.

What is the difference between Satellite Rf Engineer vs Satellite Communications Technician?

AspectSatellite Rf EngineerSatellite Communications Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related, RF certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, RF and satellite training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldInstallation, maintenance, and repair of satellite systems on-site
Industry UsageDesign and optimize satellite RF systems for telecom, defense, or spaceOperate and maintain satellite communication equipment for service providers

Satellite Rf Engineers focus on designing and testing RF systems, while Satellite Communications Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Both roles require RF knowledge but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland?

For Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Satellite Rf Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research


Job description

Description
Would you be excited to build communications/networking architectures across hardware/firmware/software boundaries?
Are you interested in trying novel, creative, and risky approaches for communications systems to solve and overcome mission critical challenges?
Would you enjoy rapid prototyping of ideas on both novel and deployed RF hardware/systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking an RF Communications Engineer to contribute to communications system design, implementation, hardware test/evaluation, FPGA firmware, real-time embedded software, and more. As part of our team, you will make critical contributions to both new and legacy communications systems and work on a variety of projects in a fast-paced team environment.
As an RF Communications Engineer, you will ...
  • Work with multi-disciplinary teams in designing, implementing, and analyzing systems/algorithms for future resilient, secure, and adaptive communications networks operating in highly contested environments
  • Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL) from concept through implementation, evaluation, and deployment
  • Contribute to MATLAB modeling and simulation
  • Validate and analyze performance of prototypes and tactical systems against complex operational scenarios
  • Work as part of a team to design novel solutions and approaches for size/weight/power/cost (SWaP-C) constrained communications concepts
  • Provide status updates, analysis results, and algorithms in written reports and in presentations to internal APL staff, program contractors, and government sponsors
  • Support occasional field tests for hardware testing

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
  • Have 3+ years of experience in communications system design and digital signal processing
  • Have demonstrated experience in FPGA/firmware implementation of transceivers, link-level algorithms, and communications hardware architectures
  • Have understanding of system link budgets and analysis related to communications/RF systems
  • Have strong knowledge of RF system design principles, with hands-on experience using RF hardware and test equipment
  • Have experience in MATLAB and/or Python for algorithm development, modeling, and simulation
  • Have strong experience with FPGA firmware design and development experience using VHDL and/or Verilog
  • Have demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Can effectively communicate ideas and results
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have an MS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
  • Have professional experience with designing fast and adaptive wireless modems and/or networking protocols
  • Have a deep understanding of wireless communications concepts (OFDM, MIMO, etc.)
  • Have experience implementing advanced concepts on FPGA such as transceivers, estimators, adaptive filtering techniques, error correction codes, etc.
  • Have experience with current military links (e.g. CDL, LINK16/MIDS)
  • Have experience with satellite communications systems
  • Have experience with heterogeneous (PL-PS) designs on AMD/Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC/Versal architectures; familiarity with Petalinux/Yocto and C/C++ embedded programming experience
  • Have an active Secret security clearance

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

What Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom