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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet ... QUIC, TCP / IP, HTTP Services), RF communication protocols (e.g. 802.11), hardware functional ...

... the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet ... QUIC, TCP / IP, HTTP Services), RF communication protocols (e.g. 802.11), hardware functional ...

... the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet ... QUIC, TCP / IP, HTTP Services), RF communication protocols (e.g. 802.11), hardware functional ...

Director, Systems Engineering, Commercial Aviation Engineering ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES is ... Strong expertise in satellite communications, RF systems, and aircraft connectivity * Experience ...

Director, Systems Engineering, Commercial Aviation Engineering ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES is ... Strong expertise in satellite communications, RF systems, and aircraft connectivity * Experience ...

Director, Systems Engineering, Commercial Aviation Engineering ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES is ... Strong expertise in satellite communications, RF systems, and aircraft connectivity * Experience ...

Intern Fleet Support Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Intern Fleet Support Engineering Role Description You will play a key role in the Aircraft Fleet ... Familiar with RF and CDMA based systems. * Familiar with Satellite based systems * Has used ...

Intern Fleet Support Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Intern Fleet Support Engineering Role Description You will play a key role in the Aircraft Fleet ... Familiar with RF and CDMA based systems. * Familiar with Satellite based systems * Has used ...

Intern Fleet Support Engineering

Chicago, IL

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Intern Fleet Support Engineering Role Description You will play a key role in the Aircraft Fleet ... Familiar with RF and CDMA based systems. * Familiar with Satellite based systems * Has used ...

Satellite Rf Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.1K

$121.2K

$188.5K

How much do satellite rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite rf engineer in Chicago, IL is $121,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,400.00 and $143,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Satellite Rf Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,228 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

MX1

Chicago, IL

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description


Senior Systems Engineer

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at providing key features, functionality, and future vision for Commercial Aviation connectivity to deliver an at home internet access experience while sitting on an airplane.  Solutions integrate many individual sub-systems from the users' connected devices, through the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet.  Solutions are knit together and defined with various development teams and disciplines, product management, and support organizations. 

The ideal candidate for this role will be a working member of the Commercial Aviation systems engineering team delivering quality technical solutions that address strategic technical and business needs carrying through concept, design, deployment, and field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge technology and to drive its application to next generation solution realization, being able to communicate technical solutions and concepts in both written and verbal means to a variety of people and organizations, and contribute to cross-functional teams (such as hardware engineering, network engineering, satellite engineering, operations, satellite capacity planning) within SES, with suppliers, and with customers.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

  • You will investigate new technologies and prove out their applicable use to SES' Commercial Aviation in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems.
  • Define system-level technical requirements for IFEC systems.
  • Define sub-system requirements for on-aircraft and ground-based IFEC hardware / servers.
  • Design and document high-level architecture for IFEC systems.
  • Work with Product Owners to review and refine epic and feature-level business requirements.
  • Work with Software Developers to refine feature-level software designs.
  • Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements.
  • Be the point person resolving issues that appear in the field.

COMPETENCIES

  • Proven ability to understand complex systems comprised of communication, computing, and internet technologies.
  • Ability to aggregate, organize, and present complex technical information.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
  • Excellent analytical skills and ability to think critically.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international, multi-site environment.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication systems, system-level would be a bonus
  • Excellent working knowledge of common web / networking protocols (e.g. QUIC, TCP / IP, HTTP Services), RF communication protocols (e.g. 802.11), hardware functional understanding (e.g. compute resources and memory, communication mechanisms such as ethernet and discretes), and software functional understanding (e.g. VMs, Docker containers, software engineering concepts).
  • Knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
  • Web service and cloud computing infrastructure.
  • Network infrastructures including routers, gateways, SD-WANs, deep packet inspection systems, load balancers, and firewalls.
  • Wireless communication systems and protocols particularly 802.11 and Satellite (MEO, LEO, GEO).
  • Experience with front end process flow; understanding of process inputs from Product Management and needed outputs to Development and Test.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

It would be nice if you had:

  • Data management experience in areas such as data capture and distribution, data storage techniques, and data display techniques.
  • End-to-end knowledge of 5G and satellite systems.
  • Master's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Experience with Jama Connect or another requirements management tool.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
For more information on SES, click here.