Sr. Communications Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best!

We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA:
Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic and analytical support to customers with missions in national security to include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields of countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety.

In addition to management and advisory services, CIG staff collaborate closely with our clients to provide high-quality modeling, simulation, software, and analytical products to meet the most demanding government standards and timelines.

We have an upcoming need for a Sr. Communications Engineer to provide hybrid support out of the DC Area.

We are seeking a highly skilled Sr. Communications Engineer to integrate RF and wireless communications systems engineering principles into the acquisition lifecycle of DHS (Major and Non-Major) programs, with particular emphasis on CBP border security, surveillance, and mission-critical communications. This role focuses on ensuring technical and programmatic requirements for cellular, satellite, microwave, terrestrial RF, and related wireless systems are met throughout the system lifecycle, from concept development to sustainment.

Provide tailored systems engineering and test & evaluation (T&E) services, support senior leadership decision-making on spectrum and communications trade-offs, and drive effective and efficient program execution. With an intermediate understanding of acquisition processes, manage technical data, RF interfaces, spectrum coordination, and risks while mentoring junior engineers and guiding contractors to align technical performance with operational needs in challenging border environments.

Apply systems engineering principles (e.g., stakeholder requirements definition, requirements analysis, architecture design, integration, verification, validation, and transition) to DHS acquisition programs involving RF and wireless communications (cellular, satellite, microwave, terrestrial RF, etc.), ensuring alignment with the Acquisition Lifecycle Framework (ALF) and integration with Test & Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP).

Collaborate with program managers to integrate communications systems engineering and T&E into all phases of acquisition, including concept development, design, development, link performance testing, spectrum compliance testing, and sustainment. Support milestone reviews, Acquisition Review Board (ARB) deliverables, and operational test & evaluation activities for border security communications systems.

Provide data-driven analyses, technical briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership to facilitate informed decision-making on cost, schedule, performance, and spectrum trade-offs for communications systems. Develop reports, link budgets, coverage analyses, propagation studies, and visualizations to communicate program status, risks, and interoperability considerations.

Oversee technical data, configuration management, RF interface control, spectrum coordination, and risk…