Communications Engineer (SATCOM)

Job ID: 2510665

Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US

Date Posted: 2025-10-08

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Network Engineer

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: Yes

Description

SAIC has an immediate need for a Communications Engineer with Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) and Line of Sight (LoS) expertise to support the Naval Operational Architecture (NOA) - the Navy's mission-critical initiative to achieve seamless, distributed maritime operations. This role involves designing, integrating, and optimizing resilient satellite-based, PLEO & LoS communication systems that ensure secure and reliable warfighter connectivity across Navy and Joint forces. You will collaborate with stakeholders to help shape advanced communications infrastructure across land, sea, air, and space domains.

This position is located in San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and integrate SATCOM, LoS, and RF other communication systems aligned with NOA and mission threads.
• Design communications architectures to support Autonomous Systems and Remote Autonomous Systems (RAS) in a meshed network architecture.
• Perform RF link budget analysis, spectrum management, and waveform configuration.
• Support configuration, testing, and validation of tactical and strategic SATCOM terminals.
• Collaborate across engineering and operational teams to ensure interoperability and cyber-resiliency.
• Support documentation development including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test plans, system diagrams, and CONOPS.
• Evaluate emerging SATCOM/PLEO/LoS technologies and recommend scalable solutions for afloat and ashore Navy platforms.
• Troubleshoot network performance issues and support resolution of system-level deficiencies.
• Provide technical guidance and support during test events, risk reduction efforts, and fleet integration demonstrations.

Please view our Program page for more information and to view all open positions available: .

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in SATCOM, LEO, LoS and RF communications system engineering.
• Deep understanding of RF principles, waveform design, and satellite communications protocols.
• Hands-on experience with tactical and commercial SATCOM systems such as UHF, SHF, EHF and Starlink.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting SATCOM modems, terminals, and encryption devices.
• Familiarity with associated analysis tools.
• Knowledge of IP-based networks, routers, switches, and network configuration.
• Ability to author and review technical documentation including engineering diagrams and network architecture.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience supporting Navy programs.
• Understanding of naval afloat and shore-based communication systems.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity practices and compliance (RMF, STIGs).
• Certifications such as Security+, CCNA, or satellite-related credentials.
• Knowledge of secure communications and COMSEC implementation.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Relevant certifications (Security+, Network+, or SATCOM industry certifications) are a plus.

Citizenship and Clearance Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active Secret clearance required; TS/SCI preferred.

Location:

• Onsite, San Diego, CA.
• This position may require travel to places within and outside the contiguous United States which could include remote or isolated sites. You may be required to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.