Systems Engineer - SATCOM

Job Summary:
This position is responsible for leadership in the areas of analysis of complex antenna systems for static and motion stabilized platforms and related products. This position is responsible for systems engineering activities including Satcom system architecture design, trade studies, specification development, requirement definition, and allocation, performance, analysis, system modeling, and support to hardware/software design and testing. Additional responsibilities include analyzing engineered products to meet customer use-cases and assure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces ensuring first time quality acceptance and high customer satisfaction.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate within an integrated product team, reporting to the Director of Systems Engineering and working closely with Program Management.
• Lead systems-engineering activities from concept through test and production delivery: architecture trade studies, requirements flow-down and traceability, verification planning and review.
• Produce and maintain key artifacts—System Design Specs, CONOPS, Software ICDs, requirements matrices—ensuring alignment with system needs.
• Define system-level and test requirements, select components, and tailor solutions to customer use-cases across multiple concurrent programs.
• Prepare and present design and analysis summaries at internal and external reviews; document designs per ThinKom records-retention procedures.
• Investigate system anomalies with tools such as Wireshark and spectrum analyzers, driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Adhere to company design procedures, corporate policies, and perform additional tasks as assigned.

Skills and/or Experience Needed:

• BS or MS in Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field; MS in Systems Engineering or Communication Systems Engineering preferred
• 3+ years of communication systems experience spanning architecture, analysis and test
• Proven leadership in defining system requirements, flowing them to components and managing them with MBSE tools such as MagicDraw
• Deep familiarity with SATCOM RF chains—polarizers, modems, amplifiers, up/down-converters—across L, S, C, X, Ku, K and Ka bands
• Expertise in link budgets, VSWR, phase-noise analysis and relevant regulatory standards
• Practical lab experience with oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Working knowledge of system-management interfaces such as RESTful APIs and SNMP
• Strong Linux environment skills, including Bash scripting and Python for embedded-software integration, modeling and analysis; able to leverage generative-AI coding assistants (GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT) for scripting and root-cause investigations
• Experience managing RF-component suppliers and specialized test hardware
• Demonstrated technical leadership on multi-program teams

Language Skills:

• Interpersonal skills to effectively work with ThinKom people internally as well as working effectively with suppliers and customers
• Ability to effectively present information in team meetings and design reviews, as needed

Preferred Industry Background

• Experience in In-Flight Connectivity or Satellite Communications, especially within the aerospace sector.

Other Abilities:

• Ability to communicate calmly in a well thought out response, verbal and written
• Must have substantial problem-solving abilities

Additional Requirements:

• Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD Security Clearance                                                                                                                                   

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.
• This position uses a computer terminal to access, input, and retrieve data.
• This position may be subject to interruptions that may cause a change in immediate priorities and/or work focus.
• While performing duties to this position, employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, and/or bend.
• May occasionally lift and/or move files or boxes up to 40 pounds.
• May be subjected to occasional irregular or extended work hours.
• May be required to sit for extended lengths of time.
• Must be able to work in an environment that may be subjected to occasional loud noises, hazardous materials and chemicals.

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.

ThinKom Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

ThinKom Solutions is a Drug and Alcohol free working environment with a zero-tolerance policy.