Hybrid Communications Systems Engineer (HYBRID- Aberdeen, Maryland) at Fairwinds Technologies

Communications Systems Engineer

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD
Type: Hybrid (Up to 40 hours/week in-office as needed)
Salary Range: $150,000 – $200,000 annually

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced RF, SATCOM, and tactical network architectures. The candidate will architect and evaluate end-to-end systems for fixed and mobile platforms operating in contested environments. This role will contribute to enabling beyond-line-of-sight UAV command and control over hybrid 5G and SATCOM links. The engineer will support waveform optimization and mesh networking for airborne nodes in dynamic environments, and other roles as assigned.

This role reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves working closely with customers and engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge mechanical designs for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect integrated communications systems using RF, SATCOM, and IP-based technologies.
• Conduct link budgets, interference analysis, and RF propagation assessments.
• Support integration and testing of communication systems in lab and field settings.
• Interface with hardware and software teams to drive system-level performance.
• Author technical documentation and system specifications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in RF or SATCOM systems engineering.
• Familiarity with waveform performance, link budgets, and system-of-systems integration.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, STK, or similar simulation tools.
• Experience with Tactical and Commercial MANET Radios
• U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications or electrical engineering.
• Experience with Software Defined Radios (SDR) and waveform development.
• Familiarity with military communication standards (MIL-STD-188, JTRS).
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing and mitigation.
• Experience in integrating RF, LTE/5G, and SATCOM communications for mobile platforms such as UAVs.
• Understanding of drone telemetry and payload data transmission requirements.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position may supervise others.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Some Remote/Hybrid work is also possible.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel 25-30% when required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Why Join Us:

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Compensation- Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience.