Senior SATCOM Lab Engineer
MITRE
Summary
This position combines hands-on technical work, lab operations, system integration, fabrication, and testing. Specific activities will vary by project but will generally include a combination of:
Job description
Roles & Responsibilities
This position combines hands-on technical work, lab operations, system integration, fabrication, and testing. Specific activities will vary by project but will generally include a combination of:
- Support building & maintaining lab-based testbeds and proof-of-concept experiments
- Conduct lab and field testing to assess system functionality, performance, and compliance
- Research of emerging technologies
- Support lab day-to-day operations
- Translate engineering concepts, requirements, and specifications into prototype hardware
- Support the integration of RF components, networking equipment, power systems, and computers
- Collaborate with MITRE staff in analyzing, modernizing, and advancing sponsor work programs
- Reach back to fellow staff across the MITRE corporation to bring their expertise to bear when unfamiliar technologies are required
Basic Qualifications
- Requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with relevant experience or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
- Significant hands-on experience supporting engineering, prototyping, electrical, mechanical, or RF activities
- Experience working in a SATCOM, RF, communications, electronics, or wireless systems lab environment
- Familiarity with SATCOM equipment: Antennas, modems, RF amplifiers, and associated RF components
- Knowledge of electrical and/or mechanical system assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing
- Experience with RF cabling, connectors, signal paths, and basic RF measurements
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and specifications
- Experience using test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, or similar instrumentation
- Experience with fabrication, assembly, soldering, system wiring, and/or mechanical integration
- Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across integrated hardware systems
- Ability to independently plan and execute technical assignments
- Strong organizational skills and experience maintaining lab equipment, tools, components, and inventory
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance
- Must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance
- This position requires a minimum of 4 days per week on-site
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in integrating SATCOM systems with IP networking equipment, and related infrastructure
- Familiarity with relevant SATCOM open standards
- Ability to develop or modify basic software for automation, performing management and control of equipment, and user interfaces
- Experience with 3D printing, machining, rapid prototyping, enclosure fabrication, or other prototype manufacturing techniques
- Familiarity with configuration management, equipment calibration, lab safety, and quality-control practices
- Experience working with vendors, suppliers, end-users, and sponsors
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with relevant experience or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
- Significant hands-on experience supporting engineering, prototyping, electrical, mechanical, or RF activities
- Experience working in a SATCOM, RF, communications, electronics, or wireless systems lab environment
- Familiarity with SATCOM equipment: Antennas, modems, RF amplifiers, and associated RF components
- Knowledge of electrical and/or mechanical system assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing
- Experience with RF cabling, connectors, signal paths, and basic RF measurements
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and specifications
- Experience using test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, or similar instrumentation
- Experience with fabrication, assembly, soldering, system wiring, and/or mechanical integration
- Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across integrated hardware systems
- Ability to independently plan and execute technical assignments
- Strong organizational skills and experience maintaining lab equipment, tools, components, and inventory
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance
- Must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance
- This position requires a minimum of 4 days per week on-site
Benefits
- Competitive benefits
- Career development
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.