SATCOM Systems Engineer
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
Type: Hybrid3x a week in office. Business necessity may require to 4-5 days in offce as needed.
About Fairwinds Technologies
Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced SATCOM Systems Engineer to serve as the technical lead on development programs focused on RF and SATCOM systems integration. Fairwinds develops components and subsystems that integrate with or enhance existing RF architecture such as SATCOM terminals, modems, and associated ground equipment and this engineer will be at the center of that integration effort. The ideal candidate has a strong background in DoD SATCOM systems, a solid grasp of the military standards governing satellite terminals and modems, and hands-on experience with commercial SATCOM modem platforms across C, X, Ku, and Ka frequency bands.
This role requires a technically confident leader who can bridge systems-level architecture with day-to-day engineering execution—generating systems engineering artifacts, coordinating with the Program Manager on work breakdown structures, and directing the work of a cross-functional development team. The engineer will collaborate closely with test, embedded software, DSP, and FPGA engineers to ensure SATCOM systems and Fairwinds-developed components are properly designed, characterized, verified, and delivered.
This position reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves close collaboration with customers and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.
Key Responsibilities
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Serve as the technical lead for a cross-functional development team, providing day-to-day technical direction and assigning daily and weekly engineering tasks.
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Collaborate with the Program Manager on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) definition, task scheduling, and resource allocation to support program milestones.
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Author and maintain systems engineering documents throughout the program lifecycle, including but not limited to: system requirements documents, design documents, block diagrams, RF link cascades, and hardware and software Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
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Lead systems-level architecture and integration efforts for Fairwinds-developed components that integrate with or enhance existing SATCOM terminals, modems, and RF ground architectures.
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Support design, integration, and testing of Fairwinds solutions into DoD SATCOM C, X, Ku, and Ka terminals.
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Apply MIL-STD-188-164B (SATCOM terminals) and MIL-STD-188-165B (SATCOM modems) to system design, compliance verification, and configuration activities.
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Assist test engineers with the development of Test Plans and Test Procedures for SATCOM systems.
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Assist test engineers with the development of automated test scripts using Python.
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Collaborate with DSP and FPGA engineers on signal processing aspects of SATCOM
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Basic understanding of FPGAs and signal processing concepts as they relate to SATCOM waveform processing.
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Perform system-level analysis and produce technical documentation of SATCOM architectures and configurations.
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Support system integration activities in both lab and field environments.
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Lead and participate in design reviews, technical exchanges, system demos, and customer meetings.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
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7+ years of experience working with DoD SATCOM systems in a design, integration, or systems engineering capacity.
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Demonstrated experience as a technical lead or systems lead on a multi-disciplinary engineering team, including task assignment and cross-functional coordination.
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Experience working with a Program Manager on WBS development, scheduling, and milestone tracking.
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Proficiency producing systems engineering documentation: requirements documents, design documents, block diagrams, RF cascade analyses, and hardware/software ICDs.
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Working knowledge of MIL-STD-188-164B (SATCOM Terminals) and MIL-STD-188-165B (SATCOM Modems).
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Hands-on experience with SATCOM modems: iDirect, Comtech, and/or ViaSat.
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Strong understanding of C, X, Ku, and Ka band satellite systems, including link characteristics and operational differences across frequency bands.
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Basic understanding of FPGAs and signal processing concepts as they apply to SATCOM waveform processing.
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Experience supporting test engineers with the development of Test Plans and Test Procedures.
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Basic understanding of Python for test automation, scripting, and data analysis.
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Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, interface specifications, and system diagrams.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear technical documentation and effectively communicate with both technical teams and program stakeholders.
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U.S. Citizenship and active DoD Secret clearance.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
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Experience integrating internally developed RF or signal processing components into SATCOM terminal or modem architectures.
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Familiarity with SATCOM link budget analysis and RF system performance calculations.
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Experience with Line-of-Sight (LOS) radio systems and waveforms from Silvus Technologies or L3 Harris.
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Basic understanding of networking fundamentals: IP configuration, routers, and switches in SATCOM modem network environments.
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Experience with automated test frameworks and toolchains in a systems test environment.
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Familiarity with DoD SBIR or R&D project environments.
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Experience with spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and other RF lab test equipment.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position carries technical lead responsibility for a cross-functional engineering team, including daily and weekly task direction. The role does not carry direct HR supervisory authority, though the engineer is expected to mentor junior engineers and provide performance input to program management.
Work Environment
This position is primarily performed in a traditional office and engineering lab environment. Some remote/hybrid work is also possible.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.
Travel
Must be willing to travel 25–30% when required.
Work Authorization / Security Clearance
Must be eligible to work in the United States and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
Why Join Us
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Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects
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Collaborative and inclusive work environment
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Competitive salary and benefits package
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Professional development and growth opportunities
Compensation- Salary
At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience
