Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Engineer

General Dynamics

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
McLean, VA
Salary
$170,000–$230,000 / yr
Posted
49 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k
This role $200k
$124k $241k
below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays more than 80% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$192,625 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $200k versus about $164k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation, ship construction, land combat vehicles, and information technology. It serves customers in the U.S. government, allied governments, and a diverse array of commercial markets.

General Dynamics currently has 1364 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $124,093–$150,385 across 1161 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at General Dynamics

At a glance

TL;DR · Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Engineer

The Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Engineer joins the IT Infrastructure and Operations team to design, evaluate, test, and plan complex internal networks. This role involves analyzing and simulating communications systems, subsystems, and algorithms for satellite networks while managing projects from conceptualization to hardware delivery. Key responsibilities include providing expert maintenance for antenna controllers, Solid State Power Amplifiers, Low-Noise Amplifiers, and FDMA/TDMA modems. The engineer must perform link budget analysis, noise analysis, and frequency management for Ku-band and C-band operations. Required technical skills include expertise in Starlink, LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite operations, as well as data link and network layer troubleshooting. The position addresses the technical challenge of securing network infrastructures, mitigating threats, and providing real-time assistance during spacecraft anomalies to ensure reliable data transmission.

What you'll do

  • Analyze, design, model, and simulate communications systems and algorithms for satellite communications networks.
  • Evaluate lease costs for space segments, bandwidth requirements, and frequency management.
  • Provide operations and maintenance support for antenna controllers, SSPAs, LNAs, and FDMA/TDMA modems.
  • Manage SATCOM projects from conceptualization to the delivery of hardware solutions.
  • Prepare detailed plans, system specifications, and equipment operating procedures.
  • Provide real-time assistance to operators during spacecraft anomalies and document operational scenarios.
  • Troubleshoot data link and network layer issues for LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite operations.
  • Translate user requirements into technical system requirements and specifications.

What we're looking for

  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must currently possess an active Top Secret SCI with Polygraph clearance.
  • Must have 10+ years of directly related experience in System Engineering.
  • Must have proven expertise with satellite/RF systems analysis including link budgets, noise analysis, and modulation/demodulation signal analysis.
  • Must have experience with implementation and expert operations of LNA/LNB, up and down converters, and FDMA/TDMA modems.
  • Must have knowledge of KU-band and C-band operations and experience with LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite operations.
  • Must have strong data link and network layer troubleshooting skills.
  • Previous experience working with DISA network team is preferred.
  • 8+ years supporting this customer is preferred.

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