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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

Analyze and resolve technical issues in deployed systems, including RF interference and encryption ... Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.

Analyze and resolve technical issues in deployed systems, including RF interference and encryption ... Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.

Analyze and resolve technical issues in deployed systems, including RF interference and encryption ... Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

The Space Team's mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide ... This role requires strong RF and Electrical Engineering expertise working cross functionally with ...

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

The Space Team's mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide ... This role requires strong RF and Electrical Engineering expertise working cross functionally with ...

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA · 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 ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$120 - $200/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... satellite, rf, radio frequency, space, verification, validation, verification and validation, vandv, v and v, v&v, v & v, system level, system-level, telecommunication, mission critical, #J-18808 ...

Principal RF/Electrical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$142K - $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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Satellite Rf Engineer information

See McLean, VA salary details

$37.4K

$119K

$185K

How much do satellite rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite rf engineer in McLean, VA is $118,958.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,600.00 and $140,500.00 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 McLean, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in McLean, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in McLean, VA are:

What cities near McLean, VA are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs?

Cities near McLean, VA with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Satellite Rf Engineer job openings in McLean, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,958 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Satellite Communications Engineer

Leidos

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 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:March 30, 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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