SATCOM Systems Engineer
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At ThinKom, we don’t just build antennas - we design high-performance, next-generation mechanical systems that connect the world across air, land, sea, and space. From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our technology operates in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
We are looking for a SATCOM Systems Engineer to lead the end-to-end systems engineering for our advanced satellite communications antenna platforms, with an emphasis on RF link performance, system architecture, and regulatory/customer compliance. In this role, you will define system- and subsystem-level architectures, establish requirements baselines, and drive cross-functional engineering teams (RF, electrical, mechanical, and software) through design, verification, and certification.
Position Summary
Working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) under the direction of the Director of Systems Engineering and assigned Program Managers, you will serve as the technical authority for link budgets, RF chain trade studies, compliance matrices, and terminal-level risk management across GEO, MEO, and LEO programs.
What You'll Do
- Architecture & Systems Analysis:
- Define system- and subsystem-level architectures for SATCOM antenna platforms, with primary responsibility for sizing and integrating the end-to-end RF chain.
- Perform comprehensive link budget, RF cascade, and adjacent-satellite interference analyses; benchmark ThinKom platforms against competing terminal architectures.
- Conduct engineering trade studies to guide architectural decisions, component selection, and terminal performance optimizations.
- Identify, assess, and track technical risks and implement structured mitigation plans throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Requirements Flowdown & Customer Compliance:
- Author, maintain, and baseline system and subsystem specifications; flow requirements down to hardware, software, and mechanical teams with full traceability through verification.
- Interface directly with commercial customers, military end-users, and satellite network operators to interpret technical specifications, resolve interface ambiguities, and demonstrate formal compliance.
- Develop and maintain customer compliance matrices, tracking adherence to commercial and military satellite terminal standards (e.g., MIL-STD-188 series, ARINC, ITU/FCC regulations).
- Design Execution, Verification & Supplier Collaboration:
- Partner with multidisciplinary engineering teams to transition system concepts into production designs, resolving multi-domain technical issues as they arise.
- Collaborate with key RF and electronic component vendors to evaluate Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment, establish source specifications, and resolve technical queries.
- Formulate system-level test, verification, and certification plans in support of formal terminal qualification and operator network approvals.
- Prepare and present technical design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and trade-study findings to internal leadership, partners, and external customers.
- Support multiple concurrent flight, ground, or mobile terminal programs while adhering to company design procedures and configuration management policies.
What You Bring
Must-Haves:
- Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s in Systems Engineering or Communication Systems preferred).
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of direct systems engineering experience in satellite communications.
- Link Budget Expertise: Proven track record closing satellite link budgets and sizing apertures using satellite EIRP and G/T on operational GEO, MEO, or LEO satellite programs (Note: terrestrial wireless link analysis alone does not meet this requirement).
- RF Chain Proficiency: In-depth working knowledge of SATCOM RF architectures, including High Power Amplifiers (SSPA/BUC), up/down converters, LNBs, modems, and reference distribution schemes; demonstrated competence with cascaded gain, noise figure, linearity (IP3/P1dB), VSWR, and phase noise analysis.
- Requirements Management: Experience generating system requirements, establishing compliance matrices against customer/operator criteria, and flowing requirements down to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Tools & Environment: Strong analytical modeling skills using Python, MATLAB, and Excel; comfort working within Linux environments alongside standard office productivity suites.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions across suppliers, internal design teams, and external customers.
Nice-to-Haves (Preferred):
- Experience with aeronautical mobile terminals / In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) systems.
- Background with phased-array systems, electronically steered antennas (ESAs), or mechanically steered hybrid antennas operating in X, Ku, or Ka bands.
- Hands-on familiarity with non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) constellations and military SATCOM standards (e.g., MIL-STD-188-164/181).
- Experience conducting off-axis EIRP spectral density, regulatory compliance, and interference analysis for mobile terminals.
- Familiarity with RF laboratory test instrumentation, including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), and signal generators.
- Experience managing and qualifying specialized RF hardware suppliers.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Travel: Up to 10% travel required for customer integration meetings, vendor audits, and field/test-range support.
- Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and occasionally lift equipment or fixtures up to 50 lbs.
- Work Environment: Standard office and RF engineering laboratory environments. Work may occasionally involve exposure to RF test chambers, light chemical handling, and typical lab noise, as well as extended hours to support critical program deadlines.
Why Join ThinKom?
At ThinKom, you'll work on innovative technologies that connect people around the world. Our engineers are empowered to solve meaningful technical challenges, collaborate with industry experts, and contribute to products that make a real impact. We value innovation, teamwork, technical excellence, and continuous learning while providing an environment where engineers can grow their careers and influence the future of advanced communications technology.
We foster a collaborative culture that values innovation, technical excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth. If you're looking for an opportunity to solve complex engineering challenges while helping shape the future of advanced antenna and electromagnetic technologies, we encourage you to apply.
