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KBR, Inc. · 1 month ago

Communications Systems Engineer, RF (Satellite, Ground Terminals & Military User Equipment)

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$149K/yr - $186K/yr

12+ years exp

KBR, Inc. is a leading engineering and technology solutions provider in the national security sector. They are seeking an experienced Communications Systems Engineer with expertise in RF systems for satellite and military applications to support the development and integration of communication systems critical to national security.

ConsultingCyber SecurityInformation TechnologyProject ManagementSoftware EngineeringTraining

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Elicit, analyze, define, and manage technical requirements for satellite communication systems and ground terminals, translating high-level operational needs into detailed, verifiable system specifications

Conduct comprehensive technical analyses and trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess performance feasibility, and make data-driven recommendations for optimal system solutions, considering constraints imposed by military user terminals

Design and analyze end-to-end RF communication systems, including satellite payloads and ground terminals, to meet mission requirements, with a focus on seamless integration with military user equipment to existing SATCOM solutions

Develop and maintain detailed link budgets for satellite communication links, performing margin assessments and optimizing system performance based on modulation schemes, coding, and environmental factors, with specific consideration for user equipment performance

Create and simulate realistic communication scenarios to evaluate system performance under various conditions, including signal impairments, interference, and atmospheric effects, particularly as they impact deployed user terminals

Apply in-depth knowledge of military and commercial SATCOM systems, including specific constellations (e.g., WGS, AEHF, MUOS) and standards, to develop and integrate solutions, particularly with respect to the user terminal segment

Analyze and evaluate the performance of various military user terminals (airborne, ground, maritime), ensuring interoperability and compatibility within the overall communication architecture

Support the integration, verification, and validation of communication equipment and software. Develop and execute test plans for lab and field evaluations of ground and space components, including specific tests for military user equipment over satellite systems

Provide technical expertise on ground terminal architecture and design, including antennas, RF front-ends, modems, and data processing, ensuring compatibility with the military user terminal ecosystem

Participate in the definition of system architectures and interfaces, ensuring modularity, scalability, and compatibility across system components, from the space layer to the tactical user

Investigate and resolve system anomalies, performance discrepancies, and technical issues throughout the system lifecycle, often involving user equipment in deployed scenarios

Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system specifications, test procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), and analysis reports

Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including hardware and software engineers, mission planners, and military end-users, to deliver integrated system solutions

Qualification

RF Systems EngineeringLink Budget AnalysisMILSATCOM/COMSATCOM ExpertiseTechnical Analysis SkillsSystems Engineering PrinciplesLink Budget ToolsProgramming/ScriptingSecure CommsModel-Based Systems EngineeringMilitary User Equipment ExperienceTest EquipmentTechnical LeadershipTechnical Documentation

Required

Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. A Master's degree is preferred

12+ years of experience in communications systems engineering, with a focus on RF satellite communication systems

Strong understanding of RF principles, antenna systems, digital signal processing (DSP), and modulation/demodulation techniques

Proven experience with the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements definition, decomposition, verification, and validation

Demonstrated ability to perform complex technical analysis, trade studies, and generate data-driven recommendations

Proficiency with link budget and RF simulation and modeling tools, such as STK (Systems Tool Kit), MATLAB, or custom scripts

Experience with both MILSATCOM and COMSATCOM systems, protocols, and architectures (LEO, MEO, GEO)

Preferred

Direct experience with military user terminals and ground equipment (e.g., AN/PRC, AN/MRC series, SATCOM On-The-Move systems)

Familiarity with the certification processes (e.g., Joint Interoperability Test Command – JITC, MIL-STD-188-164C, MIL-STD-188-165B) for military terminals

Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small teams on complex communications projects

Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Experience with programming/scripting languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB for data analysis and test automation

Hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators

Familiarity with secure and classified communication systems, cryptographic equipment, and Information Assurance (IA) requirements

Experience with MBSE tools and methodologies

Benefits

401K plan with company match

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

AD&D

Flexible spending account

Disability

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Company

KBR, Inc.

Glassdoor4.0

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that are helping governments and companies around the world take on the great challenges of our time.

Founded in 1919

Houston, Texas, USA

10001+ employees