Systems Engineer (Satcom)
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
Type: Hybrid (Local duty at APG with remote work when available)
Salary Range: $155,000 – $175,000 annually
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 deliver advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide, supporting Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments.
Position Overview
We are seeking a SATCOM Systems Engineer to design, integrate, test, deploy, and sustain satellite communications solutions and services. The engineer will translate customer requirements into resilient end-to-end architectures, and user segments. This role requires strong systems engineering judgment, hands-on troubleshooting ability, and effective collaboration with customers, Fairwinds Technologies Sales and Product Development program teams, vendors, and field personnel.
This position requires excellent communication skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams to ensure successful project execution and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the technical liaison between sales and engineering teams
- Plan, set up, and support customer demos
- Assist in developing proposals and technical documentation for customer solutions
- Provide network architecture expertise and troubleshoot complex networking issues
- Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure solutions meet customer requirements
- Participate in field demonstrations and integration activities as needed
- Integrate with current engineering teams for support in all programs and activities as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- Five or more years of relevant experience in SATCOM, RF communications, telecommunications, or networked systems engineering.
- Strong Satcom background (Satcom antennas, FDMA, TDMA, SCPC, spread-spectrum, adaptive coding and modulation)
- Working knowledge of RF fundamentals, including frequency, bandwidth, modulation, coding, gain, noise figure, EIRP, G/T, Eb/N0, and propagation effects
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with antenna control systems, block upconverters, low-noise block converters, high-power amplifiers, modems, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and RF test equipment.
- Familiarity with DoW Teleport approved modems
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and technical proposal development
- Active security clearance
Work Environment & Travel
Hybrid work model with local duty at APG and remote work when available
Occasional travel (up to 35%) for demos, customer meetings, and field support
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not supervise others.
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, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
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 25-35% when required.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Must be eligible to work in the US 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
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- Five or more years of relevant experience in SATCOM, RF communications, telecommunications, or networked systems engineering
- Strong SATCOM experience, including antennas, FDMA, TDMA, SCPC, spread-spectrum, and adaptive coding and modulation
- Working knowledge of RF fundamentals, including frequency, bandwidth, modulation, coding, gain, noise figure, EIRP, G/T, Eb/N0, and propagation effects
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance
- Experience with antenna control systems, block upconverters, low-noise block converters, high-power amplifiers, modems, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and RF test equipment
- Familiarity with DoD-approved teleport modems
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and technical proposal development
- Active security clearance
What We Do
Fairwinds Technologies is a systems integrator and engineering services company that offers a full spectrum of communications solutions from planning and design to implementation and post deployment support. Offering integrated, reliable and affordable solutions, Fairwinds believes working closely with Customers to design and develop a custom, technical design that best fits their requirements is paramount. This level of service sets our company apart from agencies that sell pre-packaged box solutions that may not fully meet a complex need. Today, highly mobile, interoperable, rugged, and secure technology; anywhere – anytime is expected and Fairwinds delivers. We service land, maritime and airborne Customer requirements domestically and internationally.
