HawkEye 360 · 1 day ago
Principal Systems Engineer - RF/SATCOM
Herndon, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$170K/yr - $200K/yrHawkEye 360 is delivering a revolutionary source of global knowledge based on radio frequency (RF) geospatial analytics. They are seeking an experienced RF/SATCOM Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate advanced satellite communication systems, supporting mission-critical government and military communications.
AerospaceAnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)NavigationSatellite CommunicationWireless
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Perform end-to-end RF and SATCOM systems engineering, including link budgets, propagation analysis, EIRP/G/T calculations, and noise figure optimization
Support the design, integration, and validation of SATCOM systems across GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations and waveform technologies
Design, develop, and integrate SATCOM ground terminal hardware, including RF front-ends, antennas, modems, BUCs, and LNBs
Apply antenna theory and design principles to phased arrays, parabolic reflectors, flat panel antennas, and systems requiring beam steering, polarization control, and precision tracking
Utilize Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and digital IF architectures for system development, testing, and troubleshooting
Conduct RF testing and analysis using laboratory equipment such as spectrum analyzers and signal generators, and interpret measurement results
Collaborate on network protocol integration, ensuring smooth interoperability between SATCOM and terrestrial TCP/IP, VLAN, and QoS-based infrastructures
Apply mesh networking and adaptive communications concepts to optimize routing, latency, frequency reuse, and spectrum utilization
Support mission-critical government or military communications through hands-on engineering, analysis, and technical problem-solving
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
Analyze and optimize waveforms including QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) schemes for spectral efficiency and link robustness
Extensive hands-on experience in RF systems design and SATCOM engineering
Familiarity with ground terminal design and satellite communication subsystems
Strong working knowledge of modulation schemes, link budgets, and antenna system performance
Experience with RF lab measurement tools and SDR platforms
Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years)
Willingness to travel up to 10%
Prior experience supporting military or government communication systems
Knowledge of mesh networking, advanced waveform optimization, and spectrum management
Experience with digital IF, signal processing, and adaptive communications techniques
Familiarity with non-traditional RF sensing technologies and methodologies
Preferred
Ability to lead or mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance
Experience producing system documentation such as architectures, ICDs, and test reports
Strong troubleshooting skills across RF, networking, and system integration domains
Experience supporting system deployment, fielding, and operational sustainment
Ability to perform technical trade studies and make cost/performance design decisions
Familiarity with cybersecurity considerations for SATCOM and RF systems
Experience collaborating with vendors and external partners on hardware and integration efforts
Adaptability and willingness to learn new satellite platforms, waveforms, and mission concepts
Benefits
Annual performance bonus
Competitive base salary
Company
HawkEye 360
HawkEye 360 detects, geolocates, and characterizesvarious RF signals using its satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.
Founded in 2015
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$562.3MKey Investors
National Reconnaissance OfficeSilicon Valley BankLockheed Martin Ventures
2025-12-18Series E· $150M
2025-12-18Debt Financing
2025-12-03Grant
Leadership Team
John Serafini
Founder & CEO
Craig Searle
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-05
alleywatch.com
2025-12-24
Company data provided by crunchbase