Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Senior RF Engineer / Space Communications image - Rise Careers
Job details

Senior RF Engineer / Space Communications

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking a Sr. RF Engineer to join our team and support our Space Exploration Network Services and Evolution (SENSE) contract based out of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. This position will be primarily remote but will require a person who is local to the National capital region and can commute to the GSFC in Greenbelt when necessary for customer meetings or work requirements.  

 

As prime contractor on the SENSE contract, Peraton is responsible for the operation, maintenance, sustainment, and systems engineering of NASA’s worldwide satellite communication networks. You will work in a dynamic, team-based development environment for the NASA Near Space Network (NSN) space communications and navigation (SCaN) systems. 

 

In this position, you will understand, maintain, augment, test, document, and manage communication assets across multiple functional areas, including the following:

  • Working with systems, software, and DevOps engineers to deploy software updates to support an evolving and diverse set of satellite missions (remote sensing & celestial observation, among other types)
  • Identifying technical problems and solutions with receiver hardware and associated networks
  • Working with the receiver hardware vendor to evaluate datasets, data acquisition, data processing and data handling from the edge of the NSN environment to mission platforms.
  • Supporting test events that address verification of formal requirements and validation of system performance for specific operational satellite missions
  • Collaborate with technical engineering teams to identify, resolve, and mitigate system anomalies and complex system/software and cybersecurity issues
  • Collaborate with the Operations, IT Security, Mission Assurance and Task Order Leads to support Task Order requirements and deliverables across the program functional elements.

 

Qualifications

Required Experience: 

  • Education/Experience: degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Math, or other related technical field and related experience is required as follows: 6+ years’ experience with MS/MA degree, 8+ years’ experience with BS/BA degree, 10+ years’ experience with AS/AA.
  • 6+ years’ experience of working with other RF engineers and other IT colleagues to contribute changes to new software releases, and supporting operational software systems. 
  • Space or ground station antenna systems, and satellite communications networks
  • Experience with running network security scans, applying patches, and network programming
  • Knowledge of ground receivers, timing distribution, and network systems
  • Familiarity with configuration management, best practices, and specific strategies
  • Experience using Microsoft (MS) Office Tools to produce PowerPoint briefings, MS Word documents, and generate and manipulate Excel files
  • Security clearance - this position requires the candidate to be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which requires US citizenship.    

 

Desired Experience:

  • Experience with NASA, space or ground station antenna systems, and satellite communications networks
  • Experience working with satellite telemetry receivers technology (e.g. Safran Cortex series high data rate receivers, etc.)
  • Experience with monitoring, testing, and analyzing X and Ka frequency bands
  • Experience working with Consultive Committee for Space Data Standards (CCSDS), CCSDS File Delivery Protocol (CFDP), or related standards
  • Proficient professional written and verbal communication skills including briefings and presentations to leadership and customers
  • Strong interpersonal skills, problem solving, multi-tasking, and attention to detail
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of missions, vendors, providers, and Government employees in a mostly remote environment
  • Experience working with traditional Agile, and DevOps development practices and associated testing strategies
  • Experience providing technical support for a test lab, test tools, and related infrastructure

 

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

Average salary estimate

$112000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$86000K
$138000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior RF Engineer / Space Communications, Peraton

Peraton is excited to welcome a new Senior RF Engineer to our team in Greenbelt, MD, primarily supporting the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. This position is mostly remote, but it's ideal for a candidate local to the National Capital Region. In this innovative role, you’ll dive deep into our Space Exploration Network Services and Evolution (SENSE) contract. As the prime contractor, we're committed to the operation and maintenance of NASA's global satellite communications networks. You'll collaborate in a dynamic environment focused on the Near Space Network, engaging with systems, software, and DevOps engineers to roll out software updates that enhance diverse satellite missions. You’ll be at the forefront of identifying technical challenges and working closely with receiver hardware vendors to improve data processing from various mission platforms. Your responsibilities will also involve supporting testing events to ensure our systems meet stringent operational requirements. If you have a passion for RF engineering, space communications, and a desire to work with talented teams to resolve complex challenges while supporting mission-critical efforts, you'll find this opportunity immensely rewarding. Join us at Peraton and be part of a mission that makes an impact far beyond our planet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior RF Engineer / Space Communications Role at Peraton
What responsibilities does a Senior RF Engineer have at Peraton?

As a Senior RF Engineer at Peraton, your primary responsibilities will include deploying software updates alongside systems, software, and DevOps engineers, ensuring the smooth operation of satellite missions. You'll also tackle technical problems with receiver hardware, collaborate with various engineering teams to resolve complex system matters, and support testing events to validate satellite system performance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications do I need to apply for the Senior RF Engineer position at Peraton?

To qualify for the Senior RF Engineer position at Peraton, you should hold a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related field, along with significant experience. Candidates with MS/MA should have 6+ years of experience, while those with BS/BA need 8+ years, and those with AS/AA should possess 10+ years. Relevant experience in RF engineering, satellite systems, and operational software support is essential.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Is a security clearance required for the Senior RF Engineer role at Peraton?

Yes, the Senior RF Engineer position at Peraton mandates that candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. This ensures that you can work effectively in a role with national security implications.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What technical skills are important for a Senior RF Engineer at Peraton?

Key technical skills for the Senior RF Engineer role at Peraton include experience with RF engineering principles, understanding space or ground station antenna systems, and familiarity with satellite communications networks. Additionally, proficiency in network programming, configuration management, and Microsoft Office tools is highly valuable.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What kind of work environment can a Senior RF Engineer expect at Peraton?

As a Senior RF Engineer at Peraton, you can expect a collaborative and dynamic environment. While the position is primarily remote, you will engage with diverse teams and address complex technical challenges, contributing significantly to various satellite missions and ensuring that clients' requirements are met in a supportive and innovative setting.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Senior RF Engineer / Space Communications
Can you describe your experience with satellite communication systems?

When answering this question, provide specific examples from your previous roles, highlighting your hands-on experience with satellite communication systems, any significant projects you've worked on, and how you contributed to the system's performance and reliability.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you approach troubleshooting RF systems?

Outline your systematic approach to diagnosing RF issues, including methods for identifying faults in hardware and software components, tools you utilize for testing, and how you work with other engineers to resolve problems efficiently.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is your familiarity with the CCSDS standards?

Discuss any previous experience working with the Consultative Committee for Space Data Standards (CCSDS) in your past roles. Explain how you have utilized these standards in your projects to enhance communication processes or interoperability among satellite systems.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How have you contributed to software updates in your previous roles?

Share examples of past contributions to software updates, including collaboration with DevOps teams, types of changes made, and techniques you used to ensure thorough testing and deployment.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe your experience with network security in RF systems.

Discuss your experience running network security scans and applying patches in RF systems. Mention specific tools you've used for vulnerability assessment and how you ensure secure communications in satellite systems.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you manage communication with diverse teams and clients?

Emphasize your communication skills and how you adapt your message to suit different audiences. Provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration across technical and non-technical teams in previous projects.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What are the critical performance metrics for satellite communications?

Outline key performance metrics such as latency, throughput, availability, and reliability. Discuss how you apply these metrics in your work and why they are essential for successful satellite mission operations.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you explain your experience with Agile and DevOps practices?

Detail your involvement in Agile and DevOps practices, focusing on specific methodologies you’ve used and how these approaches have benefited project delivery and collaboration efficiency in your past experience.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What challenges have you faced while working on RF engineering projects?

Share a specific challenge you've encountered in RF engineering, how you approached it, and the outcome. This highlights your problem-solving capabilities and resilience in tackling complex technical issues.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure compliance with formal requirements in RF systems?

Discuss your methods for verifying and validating compliance with formal requirements, including document reviews, testing procedures, and collaboration with different teams to ensure all aspects meet the necessary operational standards.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Amazon Stores Hybrid US, Elkhart County, IN; Indiana, Bristol, IN
Posted 7 days ago
Posted 10 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
MicroStrategy Hybrid Tysons Corner, VIRGINIA
Posted 10 days ago
Bright Vision Technologies Hybrid New Jersey, United States
Posted yesterday
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 4 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
AECOM Hybrid Raleigh, NC, United States
Posted 10 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Intel Hybrid US, Arizona, Phoenix
Posted 6 days ago
Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony
Growth & Learning
Transparent & Candid
Customer-Centric
Snacks
Onsite Gym
Family Coverage (Insurance)
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Learning & Development
Paid Time-Off
401K Matching
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave

Our mission is to protect and promote freedom around the world by Securing our future, Connecting our world, Safeguarding our enterprise, Protecting our borders, Enabling commerce, Enhancing human knowledge, and Protecting our citizens.

259 jobs
MATCH
VIEW MATCH
FUNDING
DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 28, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Internship - DEI & Social Impact at Mendix
Photo of the Rise User
7 people applied to HVAC Apprentice at DuPont
Photo of the Rise User
6 people applied to Google Cloud Engineer at Miratech
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Akron just viewed Grad Intern - No Work Experience at Walmart
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Race & Sportsbook Office Manager at Westgate Resorts
S
Someone from OH, Akron just viewed Client Service Representative at Shine Productions
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Technical Support Specialist at Samsara
Photo of the Rise User
75 people applied to Electrical Apprentice at Aerotek
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Canton just viewed Full Stack Web Developer at Abnormal Security
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Canton just viewed Frontend Engineer, UX at Chainlink Labs
Photo of the Rise User
18 people applied to Internship summer 2025 at Boeing
R
Someone from OH, Toledo just viewed Global Marketing Intern at Reebok International, Ltd
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Toledo just viewed Intern, Corporate Communications at E.L.F. BEAUTY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Immigration - E2 Visa at Upwork
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dayton just viewed Senior Director - Brand & Marketing Content at Cielo
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Scheduling Coordinator at Window Nation
T
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Power BI Developer - Remote at Two95 International Inc.
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dayton just viewed Front Desk Clerk at Marriott International
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Hilliard just viewed Junior Digital Analyst at Jellyfish
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Hilliard just viewed Junior Digital Data Analyst at AECOM
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Data Analyst/R Programmer at Peet's
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Grandview Heights just viewed Service Drive Greeter at Jeff Wyler Automotive Family
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Washington Court House just viewed Administration and Clerical at Walmart