Communication Systems Engineer

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Tukwila, WA, USA
In-Office
146K-198K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
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The Role
Design and lead airborne and space communication systems: translate requirements into system architecture, hardware/software interfaces, perform SATCOM link budgets and antenna trades, evaluate waveforms, support verification/certification, mentor junior engineers, mitigate technical risks, and write technical proposal sections.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
At Boeing, we create the future - of mobility, autonomy, speed, endurance, space access and exploration, undersea vehicles, cybersecurity, communication, and much more. We connect people, products, and ideas around the world. We protect people and nations. We explore the mysteries of the universe from seabed to space to cyberspace. We inspire future generations of innovators, dreamers, and doers.
We are Engineering & Technology Innovations, Boeing's global research and development team creating and implementing innovative technologies that make the impossible possible and enable the future of aerospace. We are engineers and technicians, skilled scientists, and bold innovators designing the next generation of communication systems for commercial transport airplanes, UAVs, and SatCom. Join us and put your passion, determination, and skill to work building the future!
The Sensor and Antenna Solutions team is seeking a highly skilled Communication Systems Engineer to supportairborne and space communication designsin Tukwila, WA.
The ideal candidate will work closely with business units and program customers to analyze and translate requirements into system architecture, hardware and software designs, and interface specifications. This role requires a strong technical background, leadership capabilities, and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. The candidate will also contribute to proposal development by writing appropriate sections to support new business growth.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and development of airborne and space communication systems, including system architecture, hardware, and software interface specifications.
  • Analyze and translate customer and business unit requirements into detailed system designs.
  • Develop and validate link budgets for SATCOM and other communication systems.
  • Assess regulatory impacts (FCC, ETSI, etc.) on SATCOM link budgets and system designs.
  • Evaluate waveform characteristics and their implications on system architecture.
  • Apply knowledge of military and commercial SATCOM networks and Advanced Tactical Data Links.
  • Define antenna characteristics and perform trades for phased array antenna requirements.
  • Specify and decompose communications system performance requirements from platform capability to box level.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and test engineers.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Support system verification, validation, and certification activities.
  • Write technical proposal sections to support business development efforts.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Interface with customers and stakeholders to define requirements and provide technical solutions.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in communication system engineering, preferably in aerospace or defense.
  • Experience in SATCOM (satellite communication) architectures and design practices
  • Experience with model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Experience with working on satellite or space based communication systems
  • Experience working with communications systems including wide-band SATCOM (L, Ku, K, Ka band), HF, VHF, UHF
  • Experience in hardware & software development for communication systems used in military aircraft (i.e. common data link, SATCOM, MUOS, other LEO/MEO/GEO constellations)
  • Knowledge of military and commercial SATCOM networks and Advanced Tactical Data Links.
  • Understanding of antenna characteristics, including phased array antenna requirements and trade studies.
  • Experience with waveform characteristics and communication system architectures.
  • Strong understanding of general link budgeting concepts and SATCOM link budgets.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience with aerospace communication standards and protocols (e.g., MIL-STD, ARINC).
  • Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) and networked communication systems.
  • Prior experience leading engineering teams or projects.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles related to communication systems.

Travel:
10%
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary Pay Range for Senior Level (Level 4): $146,200 - $197,800
Applications for this position will be accepted until Jun. 19, 2026
Export Control Requirements:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Export Control Details:
US based job, US Person required
Education
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required
Relocation
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Security Clearance
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim U.S. Secret Clearance Pre-Start and final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Shift
This position is for 1st shift
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or equivalent
  • Minimum of 8 years experience in communication system engineering
  • Experience in SATCOM architectures and design practices
  • Experience with model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink
  • U.S. Person required (meets export control requirements)
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance (interim pre-start and final post-start)
  • Master's degree or higher in Electrical/Communications Engineering or related discipline
  • Experience with satellite or space-based communication systems
  • Experience with wide-band SATCOM (L, Ku, K, Ka), HF, VHF, UHF
  • Hardware and software development experience for military aircraft communications (e.g., common data link, MUOS)
  • Understanding of antenna characteristics and phased array antenna trade studies
  • Experience with waveform characteristics and communication system architectures
  • Strong understanding of link budgeting concepts and SATCOM link budgets
  • Familiarity with aerospace communication standards/protocols (e.g., MIL-STD, ARINC)
  • Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) and networked communication systems
  • Prior experience leading engineering teams or projects
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles related to communication systems

What the Team is Saying

Tori
Wilton
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Boeing Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support Boeing states a dollar‑for‑dollar 401(k) match on the first 10% of pay for most nonunion U.S. employees with immediate vesting and an annual true‑up, and a student‑loan match feature lets qualified loan payments count toward earning the company match. Union agreements specify strong but different retirement contributions (e.g., automatic company contributions plus matching under IAM terms).
  • Parental & Family Support The company advertises 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birth, adoption, surrogacy, or foster placement, alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement programs. Back‑up family care resources are also highlighted in benefits materials.
  • Healthcare Strength Comprehensive health and insurance benefits are emphasized, with eligibility generally beginning the first day of the month after hire. Many teammates are eligible for several programs on day one.

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The Company
HQ: Arlington, VA
170,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1916

What We Do

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Why Work With Us

Aerospace protects and connects people, enables economic growth and trade, provides humanitarian relief and allows for human exploration of space. Boeing collaborates globally to support responsible growth for our industry, and we invest in innovation that improves the efficiency and sustainability of air travel and our operations.

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