Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Engineer - TS/SCI w/Poly

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

$170K — $230K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of related experience in system engineering
  • Proven expertise in satellite/RF systems analysis
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance required
  • Experience with LNA/LNB, up/down converters, FDMA/TDMA modems
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in data link and network layers

Responsibilities

  • Analyze and design satellite communications systems
  • Evaluate lease costs and frequency management requirements
  • Provide expert support for antenna controllers and related hardware
  • Manage SATCOM projects from conceptualization to delivery
  • Prepare detailed plans and specifications for equipment operation

Benefits

  • 401K with company match
  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages
  • Internal mobility team to support career development
  • Opportunities for professional growth and education
  • Generous paid vacation and holiday policies
Full Job Description
Type of Requisition:
Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:
Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:
Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Public Trust/Other Required:
None

Job Family:
IT Infrastructure and Operations

Job Qualifications:

Skills:
Ku Band, Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA), Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Technical Writing
Certifications:
None
Experience:
10 + years of related experience
US Citizenship Required:
Yes

Job Description:

Ensure the safety and security of our nation as a Satellite Communication (SATCOM)/Network Engineer at GDIT.

As the Satellite Communication (SATCOM)/Network Engineer is responsible for designing, evaluating, testing, and planning of the customer's complex internal network. The candidate will provide technical assistance on high-level system and networking requests. The candidate will also secure and manage network infrastructures to enhance productivity, mitigate threats, and reduce costs.

HOW A SATCOM/NETWORK ENGINEER WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
  • Analyzes, designs, models, and simulates communications systems, subsystems, and algorithms for satellite communications networks
  • Evaluate lease costs for space segments, bandwidth requirements, and frequency management; specifically, frequency changes, Spectrum management & link outages
  • Provides expert operations and maintenance support of antenna controllers, Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA), Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA)/Low-Noise Block downconverter (LNB), up and down converters, Frequency-Division multiple access (FDMA)/Time division multiple access (TDMA) modems (military and commercial)
  • Provide support for commercial satellite acquisition procedures
  • Perform or oversee complex engineering tasks associated with the research, design, and development of an integrated SATCOM system comprised of multiple components and subsystems
  • Manage SATCOM projects from conceptualization to delivery of hardware solutions
  • Prepare detailed plans, systems specifications and equipment operating procedures for equipment


WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:
  • The position requires an active TS/SCI with Poly clearance
  • 10+ years of directly related experience in System Engineering experience
  • Must have proven expertise with satellite/RF systems analysis including link budgets, noise analysis, modulation/demodulation signal analysis, and forward error correction coding
  • Must have the ability to provide real-time assistance to operators during spacecraft anomalies; able to provide after-action reporting to document operational scenarios
  • Experience with implementation and expert operations and maintenance of LNA/LNB, up and down converters, FDMA/TDMA modems (military and commercial)
  • Strong data link and network layer troubleshooting skills
  • Prior satellite communications operations experience; specifically, Starlink
  • Knowledge of KU-band and C-band (Line of Sight) operations
  • Experience writing technical requirements, specifications or statements of work
  • Ability to learn and install video, network, and satellite systems
  • Ability to react to fast-paced but short-term operational issues; as well as coordinating and planning long-term modernization efforts
  • Function in accordance with the project management framework tailored to mission needs
  • Proficient in translating user requirements and incorporate them into technical system requirements
  • Must be able to engage in technical system planning beyond the network, to include applications and systems that utilize the network being delivered
  • Must be willing and able to learn new technologies and nuances of collection systems and how they affect network characteristics
  • Experience with satellite relay systems and terminals, including design, implementation and optimization of relay networks for efficient data transmission
  • Experience with airborne satellite systems, including integration, operation, and troubleshooting of communications platforms in various flight environments
  • Experience with Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite operations and providers, including understanding their unique operational characteristics and requirements
  • SATCOM experience with an emphasis on network control and satellite operations (ground equipment and spacecraft)
  • Exceptional communication skills; written and verbal. Must be able to translate highly technical situations into consumable laymen verbiage
  • Highly organized, detail oriented, action-driven and have the ability to work independently
  • Ability to react positively to changing environments and advance progress with minimal direction
  • Location: At Customer Site - near Tyson Corner


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Previous experience working with DISA network team is preferred
  • 8+ years supporting this customer


GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:
  • 401K with company match
  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages
  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays


#OpportunityOwned

#GDITCareers

#WeAreGDIT

#CJPost

#GDITPolyEvent

#JET

#Va_2026Alumni

#GDITEnhanced2026

The likely salary range for this position is $170,000 - $230,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Travel Required:
None

Telecommuting Options:
Onsite

Work Location:
USA VA McLean

Additional Work Locations:

Total Rewards at GDIT:
Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

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