DEFTEC Corporation · 1 day ago
SATCOM Systems Engineer (NATO)
Norfolk, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expDEFTEC Corporation delivers mission-critical solutions through skillfully delivered services and innovative products. The SATCOM Systems Engineer will provide specialized engineering support services to NATO entities for the definition, assessment, and evolution of future SATCOM capabilities, focusing on strategic planning, design, and technical documentation.
AerospaceDelivery
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Conduct technical assessments of SATCOM networks, terminals, and anchoring systems across NATO strategic, operational, and tactical domains
Support system architecture definition, including integration of MILSATCOM and COMSATCOM resources
Perform trade-off and feasibility analyses addressing performance, resilience, spectrum efficiency, and cost-benefit aspects
Contribute to development of future-oriented SATCOM system concepts, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) integration, software-defined payloads, and multi-orbit architectures
Create Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) documents for different technical options
Produce quarterly Engineering Analysis Reports on SATCOM architectures, capabilities, and integration options
Develop and maintain system-level functional and technical requirements for future SATCOM systems and related ground infrastructure
Support interoperability and standardization activities (STANAGs, NATO interoperability profiles, SATCOM reference architectures)
Provide interface control documentation (ICD) and configuration baselines for engineering reference
Deliver draft and final versions of system-level requirements and interface documents on schedule
Contribute to modelling and simulation of SATCOM service delivery architectures and integration with existing networks
Assess impact of emerging technologies such as AI-driven resource management, optical links, and protected waveforms
Provide recommendations for technology insertion and obsolescence mitigation
Produce capability assessment documentation and technology surveys
Liaise with ACT, ACO, and NCIA technical authorities, providing engineering inputs and consolidated documentation
Prepare technical briefings, presentations, and meeting minutes for NATO capability planning
Participate in workshops, technical meetings, and industry engagement events as required
Produce monthly service performance reports documenting activities, deliverables, and performance metrics
Maintain customer-focused approach with responsiveness to tasking and change requests
Qualification
Required
Valid NATO SECRET Personal Security Clearance (or ability to obtain prior to start date). Only NATO security clearances are acceptable - no equivalents will be accepted
English: C1 level (proficient user) required
University Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with minimum 2 years of post-related experience
OR Higher Vocational Training in relevant technical field with minimum 5 years of post-related experience
Minimum 3 years of practical experience in SATCOM systems, including UHF, SHF, HF, and EHF frequency bands
Demonstrated experience developing system architectures, conducting engineering analysis, and creating technical requirements (not field installation or tactical operation only)
Experience with link budget analysis, modulation schemes, error correction coding, and satellite network topologies
Background in trade-off analysis, feasibility studies, or Analysis of Alternatives for communications systems
Deep knowledge of SATCOM architecture principles across multiple frequency bands
Strong understanding of RF engineering: antenna systems, propagation modeling in SATCOM bands, link performance analysis
Familiarity with SATCOM standards: DVB-S2, DVB-S2X, MIL-STD-188, CCSDS
Knowledge of Software Defined Networking (SDN) applications in SATCOM
Understanding of cybersecurity architecture for SATCOM systems, including encryption
Familiarity with modern military communication networks, interfaces, and protocols
Experience with modeling/simulation tools for communications systems analysis
Familiarity with service management processes (incident management, problem management, change management)
Customer-focused approach suitable for control centre or operations support environment
Ability to work collaboratively with technical authorities and respond to tasking requests
Prior experience working in NATO or multinational military setting required
Solid understanding of NATO operational standards and protocols
Preferred
Experience in international technical working groups or standardization bodies preferred
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
401K with match
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Paid time off
Educational reimbursement
Company
DEFTEC Corporation
DEFTEC supports complex customer environments with mission critical products and services by rendering invaluable Depth, Experience, and Focus.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Linda Harris
Chief Executive Officer
Barbara Reeder
Retired
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