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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Spacecraft Payload SME

Chantilly, VA

Experience with Satellite RF systems * Ability to describe technical issues with designing SIGINT ... Developers. * Ability to convey complex technical and programmatic issues concisely to senior ...

SES

Engineer, Senior, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105.60K - $145.10K/yr

Engineer, Senior, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY As a Payload Engineer ... Assess link budget for payload/satellite RF interference scenarios, identify operational mitigation ...

SES

Engineer, Senior, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105.60K - $145.10K/yr

Engineer, Senior, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY As a Payload Engineer ... Assess link budget for payload/satellite RF interference scenarios, identify operational mitigation ...

Lynk

Principal RF/Electrical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$142.30K - $174K/yr

About Lynk Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to standard phone technology or sat2phone and ... As a Principal RF/Electrical Engineer at Lynk, you will be responsible for wearing many hats in the ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA

Further, you will work directly with our Chief Engineer and the entire engineering team to design, develop and test software that leverages our company's proprietary satellite and RF technologies. We ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Further, you will work directly with our Chief Engineer and the entire engineering team to design, develop and test software that leverages our company's proprietary satellite and RF technologies. We ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Further, you will work directly with our Chief Engineer and the entire engineering team to design, develop and test software that leverages our company's proprietary satellite and RF technologies. We ...

VTG

Payload Engineer (RF)

Chantilly, VA

Overview VTG is seeking a Payload Engineer (RF) in Chantilly, Va . What will you do ... Basic knowledge in application of SEIT methods to satellite, launch, and ground systems * Basic ...

Parsons

Satellite Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Satellite Network Engineers to join our team! In this ... Design, plan, establish, and optimize wireless networks, including RF link performance, quality ...

Parsons

Satellite Network Engineer

Reston, VA

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Satellite Network Engineers to join our team! In this ... Design, plan, establish, and optimize wireless networks, including RF link performance, quality ...

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Satellite Rf Engineer information

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

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 are Satellite RF Engineers?

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 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 Virginia? For Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:
Satellite Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Rf Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Spacecraft Payload SME

Spacecraft Payload SME

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2610526

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-23

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has an opening for a Spacecraft Payload SME Engineer with an understanding of Digital Receiver Processors. The individual selected will provide subject matter expertise to support customer decisions with respect to contractors’ development of spacecraft RF collection payloads and overall mission capabilities. Individual will perform the following duties.

  • Responsible for overseeing vendor development of RF antenna and receiver payload path to flight as the primary technical expert.
  • Responsible for supporting end-to-end payload development to include:
    • Analysis of alternatives
    • Requirements generation, evaluation and compliance assessments
    • Concept design evaluation
    • Critical technology element (CTE) identification and assessments; Technology readiness assessments (TRA); manufacturing readiness assessments (MRA).
    • Concept of Operations (CONOPS) development
    • Oversight of payload integration
    • Transition to operations to include: development; operator training; payload initialization and checkout; on-orbit operations and end of life operations
  • Responsible for assessing proposed payload design updates and understanding all performance and spacecraft impacts due to these updates.
  • Responsible for performing assessments of risk reduction plans associated with improving the maturity of payload design and hardware.
  • Responsible for working with contacts at prime and subcontractors to ensure work is on schedule and progressing.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor in Electrical Engineering or a technical field such as Physics, Math, or Astronautics with 9 years or more of experience; Masters with 7 years of experience or PhD and 4 years of experience.
  • Experience with Satellite RF systems
  • Ability to describe technical issues with designing SIGINT satellites.
  • Clearly demonstrate a working knowledge of the NRO satellite acquisition processes.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of orbital mechanics and environmental effects on a SIGINT satellite.
  • Proven ability to effectively work with a large team of Government, FFRDC, and SETA contractors as well as Developers.
  • Ability to convey complex technical and programmatic issues concisely to senior management

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