Communications Systems Engineer

Communications Systems Engineer
Must Have
Degree Level

• Bachelor's Degree — Yes

Programming

• Development experience on a Linux platform — 3 years
• Python and Bash scripting — 4 years
• Software Design/Development — 3 years

Systems

• Hardware and Software Integration — 2 years

Testing

• Testing and Evaluation — 2 years

Nice to Have
Engineering

• Software/Algorithm Development — 0 years

Experience

• Resilient Communications, Command, and Control Algorithms — 0 years

Programming

• C/C++ Programming — 0 years
• GIT/GITHUB — 0 years

RF/Microwave

• Experience with laboratory RF test equipment (i..e spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.) — 0 years
• Radio Communications Concepts (software-defined radios, MAC, physical layer, RF) — 0 years
• RF Systems — 0 years

Signal Processing

• Digital Signal Processing (Analysis and/or Implementation) — 0 years

Software

• Embedded systems — 0 years

Software Tools

• Automated Build/Test environment (e.g., Bamboo) — 0 years

Systems

• Communication Systems — 0 years
• Experience with Embedded Linux — 0 years

Background/Need
The Tactical Satellite Communications Group is involved in a synergistic combination of research, proof-of-concept test beds, and system engineering/application efforts focused on the goals of enhancing the capacity, the robustness to interference, and the flexibility of future generations of communications satellites, as well as line-of-sight radio communications systems. Current research is concentrating on the design and performance of advanced communications waveforms, the construction of flexible, adaptive wideband frequency plans, robust acquisition and tracking techniques, dynamic resource-allocation protocols, and advanced networking strategies.
Promising research results are verified in hardware/software proof-of-concept implementations that provide quantitative performance data as well as complexity information. The group's system engineering activities apply new concepts and technologies to specific communications programs in the national interest. Virtual/Work from Home

• Onsite

Other Information Relevant to the Job Requirement
The Integration & Test Engineer will work in a laboratory team environment to design, develop, and execute operational scripts and unit tests for use in wireless communications systems such as communication satellite payloads and associated ground terminals. The individual will identify key requirements, create test plans, and apply a strong programming and scripting skillset to implement system- and unit-level tests. The individual will be responsible for troubleshooting system issues by applying a working knowledge of system architecture, including software, firmware, and RF components, to identify root cause for system failures. They will also lead the hands-on diagnosis of issues which arise during the integration and testing process, and work closely with software, firmware and hardware teams to identify and remedy issues. Ideally, the individual will be able to travel to provide on-site support for fielded test equipment approximately 3-6 weeks per year (domestic travel).
The engineer will support Lincoln technical staff in testing and maintaining test assets used in the development of satellite communications systems. Required Skills

• The engineer should be able to apply programming skills to efficiently implement test procedures and troubleshoot system operation
• The engineer should be skilled in both system test planning and test execution.
• A strong background in and experience with Python and Bash
• Proficiency with the Linux operating system
• Experience with test equipment automation
• Demonstration of strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• The candidate must be willing to work in a team environment and learn new skills.

Preferred Skills

• C/C++ programming
• Recent experience debugging issues and resolving anomalies in a system test environment
• Open to using modern AI-assisted coding and testing tools to accelerate scripting and automation
• Familiarity with data analysis and plotting
• Embedded programming experience
• Fluent with Wireshark and TCP/IP basics
• Signal processing experience, including: MATLAB, DSP, digital communications, link budgets
• Experience with FPGA boards, including VHDL exposure
• DevOps experience, including CI/CD, GIT, automated build and test
• Experience with communication theory and communication system design
• Experience with end-to-end system integration, verification, and automated testing of RF communication links
• Understanding of link budget analysis and overall system architecture for wireless or satellite communications

Additional Notes

• The position will be predominantly onsite; the person should expect to be onsite 4-5 days/week. Some parts of the project lifecycle will require more onsite at times than others.
• Interim is sufficient for the start of the role.