SATCOM Systems Engineer (NATO)

SATCOM Systems Engineer (NATO)

DEFTEC Corporation delivers mission-critical solutions through skillfully delivered services and innovative products. We are inspired by our clients' critical missions and driven to provide the most effective solutions to execute their missions, operational challenges, and requirements.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The SATCOM Systems Engineer will provide specialized engineering support services to NATO entities for the definition, assessment, and evolution of future SATCOM capabilities. This is a systems architecture and engineering analysis role focused on strategic planning, design, and technical documentation supporting NATO's communication and space domains.

The engineer will conduct technical assessments, perform trade-off studies, develop system architectures, and support NATO SATCOM capability modernization across strategic, operational, and tactical domains. This position requires experience designing and analyzing SATCOM systems at the enterprise level, developing requirements documentation, and producing measurable technical deliverables under customer supervision.

Work will be performed on-site in Norfolk, VA in support of Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Allied Command Operations (ACO), and the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).

KEY DELIVERABLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Analysis and Studies:

• Conduct technical assessments of SATCOM networks, terminals, and anchoring systems across NATO strategic, operational, and tactical domains
• Support system architecture definition, including integration of MILSATCOM and COMSATCOM resources
• Perform trade-off and feasibility analyses addressing performance, resilience, spectrum efficiency, and cost-benefit aspects
• Contribute to development of future-oriented SATCOM system concepts, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) integration, software-defined payloads, and multi-orbit architectures
• Create Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) documents for different technical options
• Produce quarterly Engineering Analysis Reports on SATCOM architectures, capabilities, and integration options

Requirements and Interface Definition:

• Develop and maintain system-level functional and technical requirements for future SATCOM systems and related ground infrastructure
• Support interoperability and standardization activities (STANAGs, NATO interoperability profiles, SATCOM reference architectures)
• Provide interface control documentation (ICD) and configuration baselines for engineering reference
• Deliver draft and final versions of system-level requirements and interface documents on schedule

Capability and Architecture Modelling:

• Contribute to modelling and simulation of SATCOM service delivery architectures and integration with existing networks
• Assess impact of emerging technologies such as AI-driven resource management, optical links, and protected waveforms
• Provide recommendations for technology insertion and obsolescence mitigation
• Produce capability assessment documentation and technology surveys

Stakeholder Coordination and Reporting:

• Liaise with ACT, ACO, and NCIA technical authorities, providing engineering inputs and consolidated documentation
• Prepare technical briefings, presentations, and meeting minutes for NATO capability planning
• Participate in workshops, technical meetings, and industry engagement events as required
• Produce monthly service performance reports documenting activities, deliverables, and performance metrics
• Maintain customer-focused approach with responsiveness to tasking and change requests

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Security Clearance:

• MANDATORY: Valid SECRET Clearance

Language Proficiency:

• English: C1 level (proficient user) required

Education:

• University Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with minimum 2 years of post-related experience
• OR Higher Vocational Training in relevant technical field with minimum 5 years of post-related experience

SATCOM Systems Engineering Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of practical experience in SATCOM systems, including UHF and SHF frequency bands
• Demonstrated experience developing system architectures, conducting engineering analysis, and creating technical requirements (not field installation or tactical operation only)
• Experience with link budget analysis, modulation schemes, error correction coding, and satellite network topologies
• Background in trade-off analysis, feasibility studies, or Analysis of Alternatives for communications systems

Technical Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of SATCOM architecture principles across multiple frequency bands
• Strong understanding of RF engineering: antenna systems, propagation modeling in SATCOM bands, link performance analysis
• Familiarity with SATCOM standards: DVB-S2, DVB-S2X, MIL-STD-188, CCSDS
• Knowledge of Software Defined Networking (SDN) applications in SATCOM
• Understanding of cybersecurity architecture for SATCOM systems, including encryption
• Familiarity with modern military communication networks, interfaces, and protocols
• Experience with modeling/simulation tools for communications systems analysis

Service Management & Customer Focus:

• Familiarity with service management processes (incident management, problem management, change management)
• Customer-focused approach suitable for control centre or operations support environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical authorities and respond to tasking requests

NATO/Coalition Environment:

• Prior experience working in NATO or multinational military setting required
• Solid understanding of NATO operational standards and protocols
• Experience in international technical working groups or standardization bodies preferred

POSITION DETAILS

Location & Work Arrangement:

• Norfolk, VA (Allied Command Transformation facility)
• 100% on-site in designated Class I and II Security Area
• No remote work option available

Work Hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 08:30-17:30 Eastern Time
• Friday: 08:30-15:30 Eastern Time

Start Date:

• As soon as possible, but not later than May 1, 2026

Travel:

• Occasional travel to other NATO locations may be required (expenses reimbursed per NCIA Travel Directive)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary
• DEFTEC comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, 401K with match, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and educational reimbursement

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DEFTEC is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.

AAP/EEO Statement: DEFTEC Corp is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, religious creed, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, marital status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Contact HR@deftec.com if you require accommodations.

Ref: 2025-0340-R2

Job Posted by ApplicantPro