Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer

Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer

The Senior SATCOM Systems Engineer will support the architecture, analysis, integration, and technical oversight of advanced SATCOM and tactical communications systems. The role requires strong technical depth in RF engineering, digital communications, and modem development, with emphasis on physical‑layer performance and waveform implementation.

• Analyze and define modem and RF subsystem architectures for SATCOM or tactical radio systems
• Evaluate modulation and coding schemes (QPSK, 8
  
  PSK, APSK variants, LDPC, Turbo, etc.) under operational link conditions
• Assess and support implementation of multiple access techniques including FDMA, TDMA, DSSS, CDMA
• Develop and review link budgets, spectral efficiency analysis, and interference mitigation strategies
• Support System‑on‑Chip (SoC) or FPGA‑based modem implementations and hardware/software partitioning decisions
• Define system and interface requirements across RF, IF, baseband, and Layer2 interfaces
• Support integration and test of modem and terminal subsystems in laboratory and field environments
• Identify technical risks and performance trades across waveform, RF, and network layers

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications system development
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience supporting modem, waveform, or RF subsystem design or integration
• Experience supporting integration and system‑level testing
• Experience working in DoD or defense communications programs
• Strong foundation in RF engineering principles including non‑linear effects, phase noise, filtering, frequency planning, and interference analysis
• Deep understanding of digital communications theory including modulation, coding, synchronization, and detection
• Experience evaluating or implementing Mod Cod strategies and adaptive coding and modulation
• Experience with FDMA, TDMA, DSSS, CDMA or related multiple access schemes
• Experience performing link budget analysis and system performance modeling
• Experience with FPGA or SoC‑based modem architectures
• Experience with modeling/simulation tools such as MATLAB or equivalent
• Ability to translate waveform and RF performance analysis into actionable system requirements
• Active DoDSECRET clearance

• MS in Electrical Engineering (Communications, RF, or Signal Processing concentration preferred)
• Experience with MILSATCOM (WGS, AEHF, MUOS) or Commercial SATCOM systems
• Experience with protected waveforms and secure modem architectures
• Experience reviewing or contributing to DSP implementations in C/C++ or HDL
• Active DoDTopSecret clearance

$125-140k. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Location:

Newport, RI or San Diego, CA. Travel Requirements:
Approximately 20% travel required.

Working Hours:

Standard 40 hours per week. Additional Compensation: K  may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation such as sign‑on bonuses, relocation benefits, short‑term incentives, long‑term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

K  offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

K  is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.