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Senior Communications Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Viasat, Inc.

Communications Systems Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

As a Communications Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing next generation satellite systems for GEO and NGSO satellite constellations and ground systems. This position entails ...

Astrion

Senior Communications Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

Overview Senior Communications Engineer WORK LOCATION: Hanscom AFB, MA (In Office/On Base 2 days a ... Manage the communication systems interfaces to facilitate their integration with the weapon systems ...

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Astrion

Overview Senior Communications Engineer WORK LOCATION: Hanscom AFB, MA (In Office/On Base 2 days a ... Manage the communication systems interfaces to facilitate their integration with the weapon systems ...

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Senior Communications Systems Engineer information

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$43.5K

$93.2K

$154K

How much do senior communications systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior communications systems engineer in the United States is $93,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior communications systems engineer do?

A Senior Communications Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex communication systems, such as wireless networks, satellite communications, or radio frequency systems. They lead engineering teams, oversee system integration, and ensure that communication systems meet performance, security, and reliability standards. These professionals also analyze technical requirements, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with other departments to deliver effective solutions. Their work often involves staying updated with the latest technologies and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior communications systems engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Communications Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, telecommunications, and systems integration, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with RF design tools, simulation software (such as MATLAB or Simulink), and certifications like Cisco CCNP or relevant security clearances are commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, project leadership, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure robust, secure, and efficient communications solutions in complex technical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior communications systems engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Senior Communications Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new and legacy systems, minimizing downtime during transitions, and meeting stringent security requirements. They must also manage stakeholder expectations by clearly communicating potential risks and timelines. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including IT, network operations, and project management—is essential to address technical issues and maintain seamless system performance throughout the integration process.

What is the difference between Senior Communications Systems Engineer vs Communications Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Communications Systems EngineerCommunications Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Engineering or related field, certifications like CCNA
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee complex communication systems in corporate, government, or military settingsAssist in designing and maintaining communication systems, often under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageTelecommunications, defense, aerospace, government agenciesTelecom companies, network providers, government agencies

The Senior Communications Systems Engineer typically has more experience, handles complex projects, and may lead teams, whereas the Communications Systems Engineer focuses on supporting and implementing communication systems under supervision. Both roles require similar technical credentials and are used across similar industries, but the senior role involves greater responsibility and expertise.

What cities are hiring for Senior Communications Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Communications Systems Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Senior Communications Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Communications Systems Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Communications Systems Engineer jobs?

For Senior Communications Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Communications Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,159 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Senior Communications Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

The Marlin Alliance
Business Management Consulting • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about The Marlin Allianceexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Senior Communications Systems Engineer
The Marlin Alliance, Inc. is seeking a Senior Communications Systems Engineer to serve as a key technical resource on its Interoperability and Systems Team. The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in DoD tactical communications, software-defined radios (SDRs), and communications standards, combined with the technical adaptability and intellectual curiosity to engage with rapidly evolving technology areas relevant to the joint force. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise with forward-looking strategic thinking, delivering high-value technical products, expert advisory support, and hands-on engineering contributions that enable the rapid and effective integration of communications capabilities across the joint warfighting ecosystem.
Incorporated in 2002, The Marlin Alliance is a digital transformation company dedicated to ensuring our clients compete and win in tomorrow's digital world. We specialize in creating technical solutions that allow for seamless execution of automated business processes and the generation of governed, machine-consumable data. From strategic planning to advanced analytics and cybersecurity, our team provides cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary solutions. We are seeking motivated professionals who share our agile, solution-oriented mindset and are ready to deliver the real, practical results relied upon by our clients.
Location: San Diego, CA - Hybrid 3 day's/week on-site � Pt Loma
Clearance: Active DoD Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance
Travel : Up to 25% travel may be required
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert on tactical communications standards, waveforms, software-defined radio (SDR) architectures, and systems integration, including cybersecurity and spectrum considerations, providing expert advisory support to DoD programs and stakeholders.
  • Analyze complex system-of-systems interoperability challenges, focusing on interfaces, data exchange formats, and network integration patterns, and propose effective technical solutions.
  • Represent our DoD client in technical working groups, industry consortia, and stakeholder engagements, providing expert input and ensuring alignment with joint interoperability objectives.
  • Contribute to the development, review, and modernization of technical specifications, interface standards, and reference implementations, including the modernization of legacy interfaces and APIs using contemporary data serialization and middleware technologies.
  • Develop technical analyses, architectural assessments, integration guides, and written recommendations to support government decision-making across critical technology areas.
  • Apply modern digital engineering practices and explore the use of emerging technologies to accelerate analysis, improve engineering processes, and model complex system-of-systems interactions.
  • Facilitate technical alignment and collaboration among diverse government and industry stakeholders in a vendor-neutral capacity.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering knowledge exchange and professional development within the team.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in systems engineering, software engineering, or DoD mission systems environments..
  • Eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience supporting DoD systems engineering efforts, including experience with or exposure to tactical communications, C4ISR systems, or related mission systems, with familiarity or experience e in one or more of the following: software-defined radios (SDRs), military communications waveforms, communications standards, or systems engineering for C4ISR systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in system-of-systems engineering and interoperability analysis, including interfaces, data exchange formats, and network integration patterns.
  • Understanding of cybersecurity principles and their application to DoD systems and system integration.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of open architecture frameworks for communications systems.
  • Proven ability to analyze complex integration and interoperability challenges and develop effective technical recommendations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences ranging from engineers to senior leadership.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and possess an active DoD Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a relevant technical discipline.
  • Experience with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) concepts and familiarity with relevant industry standards or consortia (e.g., SOSA, CMOSS, FACE).
  • Experience or familiarity with modern digital engineering practices, such as model-based system engineering (MBSE), containerization, or modern data serialization formats.
  • Familiarity with emerging technology domains relevant to the joint force, such as Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2), artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML), tactical data links, or communications for autonomous systems.
  • Experience participating in or contributing to technical working groups, standards bodies, or cross-organizational engineering collaboration efforts.
  • Understanding of cybersecurity principles and their application to tactical communications systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire new domain expertise and apply it to evolving mission challenges.
  • INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Profession (CSEP) or equivalent certification.
  • Current Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Work Environment and Mental/Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
  • Typical office environment with no unusual hazards.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • Constant sitting while using the computer terminal.
  • Constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents.
  • Constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication.
  • Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, or crouching may be required.
  • Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
  • Constant use of mental alertness.
  • Frequent work under deadlines.

Job Classification:
Associate II
$130,000 - $200,000
Disclaimer:
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an �at-will� relationship.
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities .

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