Auria is seeking a Mid-Level Systems Engineer to support a ground system software program for an international customer. This role works closely with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to develop, integrate, and sustain software for subsystems across satellite systems. Strong satellite communications domain knowledge is a priority for this role - candidates who can test and reason about the software against real RF and link-level behavior stand out significantly. This can be a remote or hybrid role. Preference for candidate to be in either Colorado Springs, CO or Bethesda, MD.
WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES:- Mission-Driven Professional: Collaborative contributor motivated by the opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions that protect and serve both the nation and the world.
- 5+ years of experience in the satellite communications field strongly preferred - candidates with this domain depth stand out significantly over similarly skilled generalists
- Strong understanding of satellite communications systems, architectures, and network topologies, including GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations and their tradeoffs, and bent-pipe vs. regenerative payload architectures
- Familiarity with satellite ground segment components, including gateways, terminals, modems, and network management systems
- Demonstrated experience performing satellite link budget analysis and RF performance assessments, including EIRP, G/T, C/N and C/N9, Eb/N9, link margins, and availability targets
- Understanding of RF propagation effects - free-space path loss, atmospheric attenuation, rain fade, scintillation, and interference - particularly for Ku- and Ka-band systems, and experience evaluating mitigation strategies for them
- Knowledge of antenna systems, beam patterns, pointing accuracy, polarization, and gain calculations
- Understanding of digital communications principles, including modulation and coding schemes (QPSK, 8PSK, APSK), adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), and multiple access methods (TDMA, FDMA, CDMA, DAMA)
- Familiarity with satellite frequency bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, Q/V) and spectrum coordination/interference mitigation techniques, including relevant ITU and national regulatory frameworks
- Ability to troubleshoot end-to-end satellite network performance, including latency, throughput, QoS, and capacity/availability analysis, using RF and network-layer diagnostics
- 5+ years of experience developing software in C++, Auria's primary language for PPMC software development; strong experience in Java or another object-oriented language will also be considered, as transition to C++ is typically fast
- 3+ years of experience working as part of a larger Agile/Scrum SW development process
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent.
WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS: - Experience developing modern web-based user interfaces using React, Vue.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, or HTML/CSS - a meaningful differentiator for tooling and dashboard work on PPMC
- Familiarity with responsive design, UI/UX best practices, and integrating web applications with backend services
- Capable of building web services, particularly REST services
- Capable of developing code using multi-threading and asynchronous/synchronous interactions between threads
- Experience with SQL and relational databases
- Experience writing unit, system, and end-to-end tests
- Proficiency writing technical documentation (technical user guides, patch descriptions)
PAY TRANSPARENCY: The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $140,000-$170,000
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 5, 2026.Pay Range: $140,000 - $170,000 per year
