Senior SATCOM Electronics Engineer

Job Description

Ground & Payload Engineer, 53 SOPS | United States Department of Defense

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at the United States Space Force (USSF), located in Schriever SFB, Colorado Springs, CO. The USSF advances next-generation military space communications. This role is crucial for applying radio frequency (RF) expertise to mission-critical systems, ensuring the performance of satellite constellations, and directly contributing to national impact through technical leadership and problem-solving.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person – Colorado Springs, CO

• Team: 53 SOPS
• Mission: Lead comprehensive on-orbit and ground-segment test campaigns for cutting-edge satellite constellations while actively contributing to the evolution of military standards.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Evaluate: Assess advanced user terminals and modems for compliance and high-fidelity link modeling.
• Design: Conceive and design custom instrumentation to evaluate spacecraft performance under operational loading.
• Resolve: Address and resolve complex RF anomalies within satellite systems.
• Mentor: Guide and mentor team members on technical challenges and project execution.
• Present: Deliver substantiated findings to senior defense acquisition leaders to clear new space capabilities for field deployment.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Electronics, or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET-accredited school, with expert knowledge of satellite radio frequency (RF) link engineering, space and ground segment systems.
• Experience: Extensive, progressively responsible engineering experience leading on-orbit and ground-segment test and evaluation campaigns, conceiving novel instrumentation solutions, and authoring rigorous, evidence-based technical reports supporting major defense acquisition programs, including research and development.
• Skills: Expert technical knowledge of advanced electronics engineering concepts related to satellite RF and test/evaluation programs for emerging constellations; Skill in applying advanced electronic engineering concepts to resolve difficult and novel engineering problems; Ability to ensure the latest developments in RF electronics and related engineering fields, technology, and threats are applied to support testing and training.
• Bonus: Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in RF/Microwave Systems or Satellite Communications strongly preferred; Formalized technical training in satellite link budget analysis, RF instrumentation, and military standards compliance; Multidisciplinary background integrating satellite RF link engineering, space and ground segment systems, and cross-functional defense program leadership.