Principal Satellite Systems Engineer (Commercial)

Principal Systems Engineer (Commercial Satellite Industry) On-Site : Rockville, MD Annual Salary Range : The estimated salary range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000. Compensation will vary based on experience, education, and qualifications. ALTA IT Services is staffing a direct hire opening for a senior, hands-on Principal Satellite Systems Engineer to serve as the chief architect for our client’s cutting-edge User Terminal (UT) products. This is a critical individual contributor role for a subject matter expert (SME) who is passionate about designing complex SATCOM systems from the ground up. This role will suit an expert with a proven track record of long-term, impactful contributions in the commercial SATCOM space to join our client’s core team. The primary focus will be on system architecture and design, not just system testing. The role will have technical authority responsible for the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept to final validation, and partner with Senior Leadership on all the technical aspects within this role. CLARIFICATION OF NEEDS : The ideal candidate should focus on : System architecture and design in SATCOM, not just system test. Requirement definition, flow-down, and test planning at multiple architecture levels (RF, electrical, software). Experience as an individual contributor (not management). At least 10 years of experience. Commercial / private enterprise background, not government contractors. Management responsibilities : Individual contributor role; will have tasks and problem-solving leadership, plus expected to coach and mentor less experienced engineers. Reporting Manager & Team : Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of R&D engineering and dotted lined to the Senior Vice President / Department Head Location & Work Model : Full-time, on-site position in Rockville, MD What Does This Position Architect? End-to-End System Design : The role will drive the architectural vision for UTs, leading critical tradeoff analyses across hardware, firmware, and software. Their expertise will shape everything from Ku and Ka-band phased array chipsets and antenna architectures to novel, fast antenna calibration methodologies. SME-Level Requirements Management : The role will own the complete requirements lifecycle. This includes defining top-level system requirements, meticulously flowing them down through multiple architectural levels (RF, electrical, and software), and architecting the corresponding integration, test, and validation plans to ensure absolute design integrity. Cross-Functional Technical Leadership : The role will work within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team, providing the expert guidance needed to develop and productize a diverse portfolio of UT products for our enterprise and commercial customers. KEY REQUIREMENTS Seeking a proven SATCOM Architect : 10+ years of progressive experience, with a portfolio of work that demonstrates expertise in architecting and designing complex satellite communication systems. Hands-On Technical Expert with a passion for technical details. The principal engineer will thrive as a senior individual contributor and is not seeking a people management track. Commercial & Enterprise Focus : Strong background in developing products for the commercial and private enterprise sectors, bringing a practical, product-focused mindset. Multi-Disciplinary Fluency : The principal engineer must possess an SME-level, intuitive understanding of the intricate relationships between RF, electrical, and software components within a complete SATCOM system. Compensation & Logistics Base Salary Range : The estimated salary range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000. Actual compensation will vary based on experience, education, and qualifications. Additional elements, such as bonuses, may apply depending on the company and individual performance. Bonus Structure : Annual performance bonus will be determined at offer time. It is a set dollar amount. Security Clearance : Not required Immigration / Visa : The company is willing to sponsor the right person Relocation Support : The company is willing to include a relocation package within the offer for the right person. (Restrictions apply) COMPANY BENEFITS Flexible time off and paid holidays Annual performance-based bonus potential Medical, dental, and vision insurance Short-term and long-term disability coverage 401(k) plan with employer safe harbor match Professional development opportunities Employee Social Events, Lunch & Learns and team outings Free Onsite Gym Free in-office snacks, fresh fruit, and an assortment of hot & cold beverages. Please contact Melissa McNally via mmcnally@altaits.com for consideration. System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #M-MM1 #LI-MM1 #DI-MM1 Ref : #855-IT Baltimore