Systems Engineer - Physics

Build the Future of High-Performance Connectivity

At Thin Kom, we don’t just build antennas - we design high-performance, next-generation mechanical systems that connect the world across air, land, sea, and space. From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our technology operates in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

The Systems Engineer is responsible for driving system-level architecture assessments, decomposing mission-level requirements into quantitative physical allocations, defining subsystem interfaces, and governing technology selection for cutting-edge counter-UAS solutions. Working as part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) under the guidance of the Director of Systems Engineering and the Program Manager, you will lead the system design, development, testing, and implementation throughout the entire High-Power Microwave (HPM) system development lifecycle.

In this role, you will outline integrated solutions meeting performance, usability, reliability, and security needs, analyze engineered products for customer use-cases, evaluate COTS components, and maintain clear technical documentation.

• System Design & Lifecycle Management:
  Lead system design, integration, and verification/validation (V&V) test phases across the product lifecycle to support on-time project completion.
• Requirements & Architecture:
  Decompose mission-level requirements, set subsystem and test requirements, perform flow-down and traceability, and author physical/electrical Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Lead requirements IPTs and working group meetings with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors; prepare and present design summaries during internal/external design reviews.
• Component Evaluation:
  Identify, analyze, and conduct hands‑on evaluations of system components and commercial‑off‑the‑shelf (COTS) products to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Testing & Verification:
  Evaluate verification test results, analyze engineered products against customer use-cases, and establish operational concepts (CONOPS).
• Compliance & Documentation:
  Ensure compliance with DoD contract requirements, adhere to company design procedures and records retention practices, and maintain technical documentation.

Must Haves:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience:
  
  2+ years of professional systems engineering experience with a direct focus on complex hardware development in Satellite Communications (Satcom), high-power or solid-state RF systems, pulsed power, or experimental physics.
• Systems Engineering Rigor:
  Proven track record across the full product lifecycle (decomposing requirements, writing ICDs, leading multi-subsystem V&V campaigns).
• Hands‑on RF Expertise:
  Proficiency with Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and RF measurement equipment.
• Simulation & Software Tools:
  Experience using simulation and analytical tools such as Python, MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics, CST Microwave Studio, or Ansys HFSS.
• Security Clearance:
  Active US DoD SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• General
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in MS Office products; strong verbal/written communication, problem‑solving, and presentation skills for working with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.

Nice to Haves (Preferred Experience):

• Direct experience with Directed Energy (DE), High-Power Microwave (HPM), Electronic Warfare (EW), or high‑power radar systems.
• Background in pulsed‑power electronics, Pulse Forming Networks (PFNs), high‑voltage trigger systems, or breakdown mitigation (pressurized dielectrics, SF6…