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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Satellite Rf Engineer information

See Santa Rosa Beach, FL salary details

$33.5K

$106.6K

$165.7K

How much do satellite rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite rf engineer in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is $106,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,300.00 and $125,900.00 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?

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL are:
What cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL are hiring for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL with the most Satellite Rf Engineer job openings:

RF and Datalink Engineer (Engineer - RF 4) - 28784

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Fort Walton Beach, FL • On-site

$107.27 - $145/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,061 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RF and Datalink Engineer

Location: Hurlburt Field, FL

Requisition Number: 28784

Required Travel: 0 - 10%

Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range: $107,267.00 - $145,000.00

Security Clearance: Secret

Level of Experience: SeniorHI

Position Summary

RF and Datalink Engineer responsible for the design, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of secure, resilient, and highly available communications networks in primarily garrison environments, with potential support in austere deployed environments. Duties include ensuring seamless data, voice, and video transmission across tactical platforms, integrating Line-of-sight (LOS), Beyond-Line-of-sight (BLOS), and satellite communication (SATCOM) systems to support mission‑critical command and control (C2) operations, and providing tier‑2/3 troubleshooting for network outages.

Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the government to support and develop the Special Warfare Technology Integration Support Cooperative (SW TISC) RF/DL initiatives in support of SOF operations globally.
  • Lead a team of RF/DL engineers and serve as the government stakeholder interface to prioritize and manage Innovation, Assessment, & Evaluation (IA&E) activities.
  • Design and implement tactical routing, switching, and transport solutions; configure OSPF, BGP, GRE, and IPsec protocols for tactical edge networks.
  • Conduct development, engineering evaluation, and testing of new and emerging technologies to advance SOF missions.
  • Integrate tactical radios (e.g., Harris, Thales) and SATCOM terminals (e.g., VSAT, BGAN) into enterprise network architectures; manage RF propagation, transmission planning, and frequency allocations.
  • Collaborate with the Network team to support integration of RF/Datalink capabilities with unique networking components and design IP‑over‑RF solutions.
  • Perform tier‑2/tier‑3 troubleshooting for network outages in high‑stress, time‑sensitive operational environments.
  • Ensure interoperability across mission nodes (operations centers, airborne weapon systems, ground teams, etc.) via mission networks.
  • Provide data links and networking engineering support for design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground communication systems, including J‑Series, K‑Series, and VMF messages per MIL‑STD‑6016 and 6017.
  • Support integration of conventional, special operations, and other systems into tactical kits used in‑garrison and deployed.
  • Coordinate with functional area leads to ensure full support and integration of unique components and government systems of record.
  • Provide product, system, and service training fielded or supported by SW TISC.
  • Assess RF and data link systems on aircraft and ground platforms to determine technical specifications, capabilities, and limitations.
  • Identify gaps in data‑sharing capabilities and recommend solutions.
  • Analyze spectrum allocation, availability, and potential conflicts in operational environments.
  • Produce actionable reports outlining requirements to mitigate risks and improve communications.
  • Review architectures, roadmaps, and government standards to identify current and future gaps.
  • Manage projects and timelines, delivering high‑quality outputs under tight deadlines.
  • Think critically to identify innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • Coordinate among various engineering disciplines to present a unified product to project stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
  • 9 years relevant experience with a Bachelor’s in a related field; 7 years relevant experience with a Master’s; 4 years with a PhD or JD; or high school diploma with 13 years relevant experience.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen with a current DoD Secret security clearance and eligibility to be upgraded to TS/SCI.
  • Deep understanding of RF, SATCOM, MUOS, IW, SHF, TSM, and other MANET waveforms; tactical data link systems (Link‑16, Link‑22, SINCGARS, SATCOM, etc.).
  • Proficiency in RF fundamentals, including antenna gain modeling, frequency and wavelength interactions, link‑budget considerations, and decibel‑based power/ratio calculations.
  • Familiarity with DoD communication system acquisition processes and standards (MIL‑STD‑6016, MIL‑STD‑188).
  • Familiarity in IP networking and subnetting; hands‑on experience configuring ports and protocols to integrate commercial routing devices into existing networks.
  • Experience applying RF propagation tools such as SPEED and CloudRF for coverage prediction, path analysis, and mission planning.
  • Awareness of challenges in shared RF and datalink technologies in joint and coalition environments.
  • Familiarity with ground‑to‑air communications and integrated battlespace operations.
  • Working knowledge of tactical communication systems in military or DoD settings.
  • Experience providing technical recommendations to support acquisition and system upgrades.
  • Experience creating reports, briefings, and managing information.
  • Self‑motivated and driven desire to succeed with minimal direction.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Preferred Requirements
  • TS/SCI clearance desired but not required.
  • Advanced knowledge of airborne C2 systems, RF, and datalink communications.
  • Experience supporting Special Tactics ATAK RF/DL requirements.
  • Experience developing systems utilizing networking principles and implementation (TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, SSL).
  • Master’s degree in communications engineering, spectrum management, or systems engineering.
  • Experience using tools for RF and SATCOM analysis, such as spectrum analyzers, SDRs, or simulation software (STK, MATLAB, or other RF modeling tools).
  • Experience working in cross‑functional collaboration environments with engineering, program management, and DoD customers.
Physical Requirements
  • May require working in an office or laboratory environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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