KBR Careers · 3 months ago
Communications Systems Engineer, RF (Satellite, Ground Terminals & Military User Equipment)
El Segundo, California
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$149K/yr - $186K/yr
12+ years expKBR's National Security Solutions team is seeking an experienced Communications Systems Engineer with a strong background in RF systems to support critical national security projects. The role involves conducting detailed analyses, developing communication scenarios, and ensuring interoperability of military user terminals within communication systems.
Information Technology & Services
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.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
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 Careers
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.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Becky Sewell
Chief Training Officer (CTO)
Dana Dorsey
Sr. VP, Chief Financial Officer
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