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Satellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

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

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

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

Leidos

Satellite Communications Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

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

SES

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 ...

MX1

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 ...

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All JobsSatellite Rf Engineer JobsSatellite Rf Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Satellite Rf Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$41.9K

$133.3K

$207.3K

How much do satellite rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite rf engineer in Washington, DC is $133,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $157,400.00 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 Washington, DC? For Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Rf Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Satellite Rf Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Rf Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,284 per year, or $64.1 per hour.
Sr. RF Systems Analysis Engineer, Regulatory (Starlink)

Sr. RF Systems Analysis Engineer, Regulatory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Washington, DC • On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 63 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. RF SYSTEMS ANALYSIS ENGINEER, REGULATORY (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
Telecommunication is a heavily regulated business - this position will support the team that advises SpaceX on legal and policy advocacy to ensure these regulations enable and protect the provision of this ground-breaking service. This role will require you to apply expertise and focus to advance Starlink's licensing and spectrum position in front of domestic and global regulators and government bodies.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support technical analyses pertaining to radio frequency interference and satellite spectrum coordination
  • Model Starlink and other non-geostationary satellite's operational topology and hardware
  • Simulate for various scenarios considering regulatory constraints, geographic constraints, RF link budgets, constellation growth, customer growth, and coordination strategies, etc.
  • Based on simulation results, analyze network and user experience impacts and make recommendations on satellite policy and coordination strategy
  • Help provide strategic regulatory recommendations and advocacy support to business development efforts

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
  • Experience in MATLAB, Python, C++ or other tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
  • 5+ years of research, design, development, or regulatory experience in the RF and/or antenna domain

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or communication theory
  • Basic understanding of satellite hardware and orbital mechanics
  • Experience with Visualyse
  • Experience in modeling large non-geostationary satellite constellations
  • Experience in satellite network simulation development and analysis
  • Experience with RF topics in satellite communications, including link budgets, antenna theory and design, and interference analysis

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Sr. RF Engineer: $160,000.00 - $220,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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