Lead SATCOM MS&A Engineer
MITRE
Summary
MITRE is seeking a strong candidate in satellite communications (SATCOM) to contribute toward a set of programs that are focused on advancing the understanding and utilization of commercial and military SATCOM in complex environments. This position will provide opportunities for professional growth through development, applied research, and innovation of SATCOM capabilities.
Job description
Roles & Responsibilities
MITRE is seeking a strong candidate in satellite communications (SATCOM) to contribute toward a set of programs that are focused on advancing the understanding and utilization of commercial and military SATCOM in complex environments. This position will provide opportunities for professional growth through development, applied research, and innovation of SATCOM capabilities.
Specific duties will vary by project but will generally include a combination of research, design, analysis, testing, experimentation, modeling & simulation (M&S), and emulation of communications networks to solve our nation's most complex problems. Those activities will include one or more of the following:
- Support building & maintaining lab-based testbeds and conducting proof-of-concept experiments
- Development of M&S capabilities to assess performance of SATCOM systems in complex environments
- Conduct hardware and software experimentation to validate models or techniques
- Model performance and behavior of networks and user links in tactical environments
- Research emerging technologies
- Assist MITRE staff in analyzing, modernizing, and advancing sponsor work programs
Basic Qualifications
- Requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
- Thorough knowledge of RF communications theory, including modulations, link budgets, error correction coding, channel effects, communication protocols, etc.
- An understanding of satellite systems operations, including orbital dynamics and typical payload processing
- Some understanding or experience with military and commercial satellite systems
- Ability to effectively collaborate within a team environment to execute analysis and technical development tasks for SATCOM projects, mentoring junior staff to build team competency and productivity
- Ability to interact with sponsors, including synthesizing mission challenges into technical tasks, developing analytical conclusions, building consensus on recommendations
- Strong analytical skills, solid mathematical foundation, and familiarity with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and STK
- Excellent verbal communication and writing skills
- Must have an active Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government issued Security Clearance
- Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance
- This position requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site
Preferred Qualifications
- Electromagnetic propagation
- Antenna design
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) experience in MATLAB
- Phased array beamforming and technology capabilities
- Digital signal processing and detection and estimation theory
- Anti-jam (AJ) and Low Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD) techniques
- Surveillance and reconnaissance mission systems and capabilities
- Systems engineering for satellite systems
- Experience with testing and evaluation related to SATCOM
- Active Top Secret/SCI Clearance
Requirements
- Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
- Thorough knowledge of RF communications theory, including modulations, link budgets, error correction coding, channel effects, communication protocols
- Understanding of satellite systems operations, including orbital dynamics and typical payload processing
- Some understanding or experience with military and commercial satellite systems
- Ability to collaborate within a team environment and mentor junior staff
- Ability to interact with sponsors, synthesize mission challenges into technical tasks, and build consensus on recommendations
- Strong analytical skills and solid mathematical foundation
- Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and STK
- Excellent verbal communication and writing skills
- Active Top Secret U.S. Government issued Security Clearance with ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Minimum of 3 days per week on-site
Benefits
- Competitive Benefits
- Career Development
- Innovation Culture
Company overview
MITRE is a not-for-profit corporation that operates federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) for various U.S. government agencies. Founded in 1958, MITRE serves as a critical bridge between government requirements and technological innovation, providing objective analysis and solutions to complex national security and public interest challenges. The organization's work spans multiple domains including cybersecurity, aviation, healthcare, defense systems, and critical infrastructure protection. MITRE operates two primary FFRDCs: one for the Department of Defense and another for the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Homeland Security. The corporation is renowned for developing technical standards and frameworks, most notably the MITRE ATT&CK framework for cybersecurity threat modeling. With a workforce of engineers, scientists, and technical specialists, MITRE focuses on solving problems of national importance through applied research, systems engineering, and advanced technology development, maintaining strict objectivity by not manufacturing products or competing with private industry.