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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Lanham, MD (NOW HIRING)

RF Antenna Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Strong understanding of satellite modems, hub systems, and RF equipment. * Experience working with suppliers, vendors, and technology partners. * Ability to develop technical requirements, test ...

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload The job responsibilities outlined in this document ... Assess link budget for payload/satellite RF interference scenarios, identify operational mitigation ...

Showing results 21-40

Satellite Rf Engineer information

See Lanham, MD salary details

$37K

$117.8K

$183.2K

How much do satellite rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite rf engineer in Lanham, MD is $117,778.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,600.00 and $139,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Lanham, MD?

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

What job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Lanham, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Lanham, MD are:

What cities near Lanham, MD are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs?

Cities near Lanham, MD with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Satellite Rf Engineer job openings in Lanham, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,778 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Direction Finding (DF)/Antenna RF Engineer

Germantown, MD โ€ข On-site

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturingย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$95K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

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Location: GERMANTOWN, MD, US, 20876


Date: Sep 9, 2026


Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSIโ€™s key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives dependon what we do!


Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

  • Yearly IncentiveCompensation Plan

  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members

  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave

  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave

  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)


We are seeking a Direction Finding (DF)/ Antenna RF Engineer to work in our Germantown, MD office. This position reports to the Engineering Director.


Responsibilities

  • Work within multidisciplined engineering project teams as an RF design engineer to design and develop circular array antennas to provide 360-degree spatial azimuth coverage and precise direction finding by evaluating phase and amplitude across symmetrically spaced elements.

  • Participate in the development of advanced direction finding algorithms.

  • Participate in small RF engineering teams and/or work under the supervision of a senior member of the RF design staff to define requirements, conceive, document, analyze/simulate, build prototypes, perform verification testing, debug, and optimize antenna and algorithm designs to meet requirements at the product level.

  • Design/source, analyze/simulate, test and optimize antennas, external RF amplifiers, and ancillaries for use with products to achieve overall product performance requirements.

  • Perform system level analysis to study RF propagation, range estimates, link budgets, cascade analysis, and sensitivity calculations.

  • Support prototype development of advanced antennas and supporting RF subsystems, including fabrication and assembly of early prototypes.

  • Contribute to technical trade studies and analyses to select RF architecture and key components.

  • Assist other RF team members to develop and implement detailed design specifications, test plans and test procedures.

  • Verify product performance vs. predictions for prototype products and production hardware products.

  • Participate in continuous improvement and team building activities. Maintain productive working relationships with all team members.

  • Complete assigned tasks in a quality and timely manner.

  • Effectively support and communicate to management status, issues, needs and ideas.


Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.



  • U.S. Citizenship required. -Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

  • MSEE or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Electromagnetics, Antenna Theory, or Microwave Engineering.


Interest in antenna theory, antenna design, and electromagnetics, supported by relevant graduate coursework, laboratory experience, or research projects.


In-depth theoretical knowledge of antenna theory and direction finding techniques, and RF propagation.



  • Basic knowledge and understanding of DF algorithms โ€“ correlation and Eigen Vector methods

  • Must be accustomed to working with various antenna performance parameters including gain, beamwidth, patterns/sidelobes/nulls, and efficiency.


Experience is desired utilizing engineering development software tools including RF propagation simulation, HFSS, Microwave Office, ADS, Genesys, Matlab, and Microsoft Office tools.



  • Experience using Software Defined Radios (SDRs).


Hands-on experience is highly desired using RF test equipment and facilities, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, and RF anechoic chambers.


Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.


Ability to think \"out-of-the-box\", develop, and implement innovation design solutions.


Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.


The annualized pay range for this role is $95,000.00 - $120,000.00USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidateโ€™s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.


For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contacttalent acquisitionat careers@thalesdsi.com.


ThalesDefense & Security, Inc.is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.


If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 240-864-7000.


22605 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, Maryland 20871, United States


Phone (outside the U.S.): +1-240-864-7000
Toll Free (in the U.S.): 800-258-4420

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