Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (SATCOM)
Position Summary
As a Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (SATCOM), you will play a key role in architecting, developing, and deploying advanced RF satellite communication systems that keep critical global networks connected.
Working as part of a high-impact Integrated Product Team (IPT) alongside Program Managers and tier-one defense/commercial partners, you will drive the end-to-end development lifecycle-from early architectural trade-offs and component evaluation to integration, testing, and production delivery. If you thrive on solving complex RF engineering challenges and driving real-world hardware solutions, this position is for you.
What You'll Do
- System Architecture & Interface Design: Lead architectural assessments, define component interactions, and establish seamless physical, functional, and program interfaces across complex SATCOM payloads and terminals.
- Hands-on Hardware Evaluation: Evaluate critical RF sub-assemblies and COTS components-including antennas, LNBs, HPAs, up/down-converters, multiplexers, reference oscillators, and PLLs.
- Requirements & Verification: Direct requirements flow-down, matrix traceability, and verification testing to ensure integrated solutions satisfy performance, reliability, usability, and security needs.
- Customer & Subcontractor Leadership: Lead requirements IPTs and working group sessions with external customers and suppliers; prepare and present key design reviews (PDR/CDR).
- Cross-Program Execution: Support multiple active programs through conceptual design, detailed engineering, integration, and final production delivery.
- Continuous Improvement: Refine system analysis, monitoring routines, and test frameworks to continuously elevate team execution and product performance.
What You Bring
Must-Haves:
- Education: Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience: 2+ years of systems engineering experience with a demonstrated track record of architecting, developing, and validating complex RF communication systems.
- RF Domain Expertise: Strong subject-matter expertise in RF SATCOM systems and deep familiarity with key RF component technologies (amplifiers, converters, oscillators, antennas).
- Test Bench Proficiency: Hands-on experience operating Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and standard RF test equipment.
- Clearance Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance.
Nice-to-Haves (Preferred Experience):
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to present complex technical data clearly in design reviews and customer meetings.
- Strong multi-tasking and problem-solving skills suited for fast-paced, multi-program environments.
What Success Looks Like Here
- Take ownership of complex system architectures from concept through validation.
- Connect engineering disciplines to ensure successful system integration.
- Communicate technical ideas clearly with engineers, customers, and program leadership.
- Anticipate technical risks early and develop practical, data-driven solutions.
- Balance technical excellence with program execution to help deliver products on schedule.
- Build trusted relationships across engineering teams and customer organizations.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Travel: Up to 10% domestic/international travel to support customer reviews, field tests, or supplier evaluations.
- Environment: Combined office and dynamic RF lab environment. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
Salary Range $90,000 - $125,000
ThinKom offer generous benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401k Matching (4%), PTO, paid Holidays and Bonus Plan.
