Systems Engineer (SATCOM) at Ardent Principles, Inc.
$130,000–$260,000
Jul 27, 2026
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Jul 28, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A senior Systems Engineer role focused on satellite communications (SATCOM) and hardware design, supporting complex technical programs from concept through deployment at a cleared facility in McLean, VA. Day-to-day work spans requirements development, RF systems engineering, vendor coordination, test planning, and formal technical documentation. Candidates must hold an active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph and bring deep hands-on SATCOM and hardware experience.
Senior level · 7+ years · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV · Bachelor's required · TS/SCI clearance · Full-time
Pay in the description: $130,000–$260,000
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Why we read it this way (8)
The role is classified under 15-1299 (Computer Occupations, All Other) as it is a systems engineering role centered on SATCOM and RF hardware — it does not map cleanly to a single standard SOC. 15-1244 is noted as a runner-up given the infrastructure/operations dimension, but the primary work is end-to-end systems engineering of complex hardware/software programs.
The JD states '7 to 20 years of experience' — 7 years is used as the minimum.
An engineering degree (preferably Electrical Engineering) is listed as a hard requirement in the required skills block; 'Bachelors' is set as the degree floor since no higher degree is specified.
Skills such as 'test plan development', 'RF systems', 'network infrastructure', and 'communication protocols' are listed in the required block as technical domains the candidate must be able to apply — they are retained as required despite being somewhat broad, because the JD explicitly gates on them.
'Computer networking' and 'Working with satellite communications/systems' appear under 'Highly Desired Qualifications' and are marked preferred. Note that SATCOM itself is a hard gate stated prominently in the required block; the 'Highly Desired' mention of satellite communications is a secondary reference.
Travel up to 10% domestically and overseas is required per the posting.
Ignored 3 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): systems engineering, hardware design, test plan development.
Requires a TS/SCI clearance — the cleared population is a small fraction of this occupation, so the real candidate pool is materially smaller than the estimate below, which does not model clearance.
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