RF Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Communications

3M Consultancy

Chantilly, Virginia

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Antenna, Budgeting, C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, Communication Systems, Computer Programming, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Hardware Debugging, Integration Testing, Laboratory Testing, MATLAB, Microcontroller, Network Design, Network Traffic Analysis, Operational Support, Options Analysis, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Radio Frequency, Satellite Communications, Software Design for Test (SDET), Soldering, Spectrum Analyzers, Systems Engineering, Testing, Wheel/Front-End Loader
LOCATION
Chantilly, Virginia
POSTED
3 days ago

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About the Role:<\/b>
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We’re looking for a passionate and hands -on engineer to help build the communications backbone of our satellite systems. As a Satellite Communications Systems Engineer<\/b>, you'll work across radio frequencies, electronics, and software to design, test, and integrate advanced space -based communication systems.
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This isn’t your typical engineering desk job—you’ll be deep in the lab testing antennas, tuning radios, running link budgets, and occasionally grabbing a soldering iron or configuring a spectrum analyzer. You’ll get to touch nearly every part of the spacecraft communications stack, from early design to launch readiness.
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If you love solving unconventional problems, enjoy variety in your day -to -day work, and thrive in a fast -moving, collaborative environment—this role is for you.
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What You’ll Do<\/b>
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  • Help design and refine spacecraft communications systems, including inter -satellite links and direct -to -ground radios
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  • Select radios, antennas, and RF components that meet system needs
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  • Define and support operations concepts for both spacecraft and ground stations
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  • Evaluate ground station options and configure setups that align with mission goals
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  • Build and test communications payloads both in the lab and in orbit
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  • Work with systems engineers to feed real -world performance into broader network design
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  • Run simulations, link budgets, traffic analysis, and RF system dimensioning
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  • Plan antenna layout and placement on spacecraft hardware
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  • Support integration, testing, and launch handover for comms systems
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  • Maintain clear documentation throughout the development cycle
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    What You Bring<\/b>
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    • Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field
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    • Hands -on experience with radios, antennas, and SDRs (software -defined radios)
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    • Familiarity with space hardware projects or satellite systems is a big plus
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    • Programming skills in one or more of: Python, C++, C, MATLAB
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    • Experience working in Linux environments
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    • Comfortable with networking and comms protocols (e.g., CCSDS, TCP/IP, Ethernet)
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    • Bonus: experience with microcontrollers, hardware debugging, and RF lab tools
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    • A collaborative mindset, flexibility to pivot when needed, and the initiative to own your work from concept to deployment
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About the Company

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3M Consultancy