Senior Communications System Engineer

Parsons Corporation • Herndon, VA

173d • $100,900 - $176,600

About The Position

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Senior Communications and Networking Systems Engineer to join our team! This engineer will play a critical role in designing and delivering mission-focused, tactical networking and communications systems. We are looking for a thought leader who understands military tactical communications from both an operational and theoretical perspective, and who is passionate about solving complex real-world problems through innovative system design and integration.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in tactical communications, military networking, and/or systems engineering.
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• A Bachelor’s degree with highly relevant experience may be considered.
• Deep understanding of tactical networking architectures and protocols (e.g., IP/RF convergence, SATCOM, MANET, Link-16, SINCGARS, TSM, WINT-T).
• Strong knowledge of Layer 1–3 networking, including routing/switching, waveforms, RF propagation, and secure communications protocols.
• Demonstrated experience designing or integrating mission-critical communication systems for DOD or IC programs.
• Familiarity with tools such as DOORS, SysML/UML, or Model-Based Systems Engineering practices.
• Experience producing high-quality, customer-facing technical documentation and participating in design reviews.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

• TS/SCI clearance preferred.
• Hands-on experience with fielded communications systems in operational settings (e.g., military exercises, deployed environments).
• Background in RF systems, SDR platforms, or waveform design and integration.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to take initiative, drive technical strategy, and lead through ambiguity.
• Experience mentoring engineers and contributing to proposal or business development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Leads system architecture, design, and development of tactical communications and networking systems from concept through deployment and sustainment.
• Translates operational mission needs into technical requirements and scalable, fieldable system solutions.
• Authors and reviews documentation such as interface control documents (ICDs), specifications, system descriptions, and test plans.
• Designs and implements secure, resilient networking architectures that may include mesh, MANET, SATCOM, LOS/NLOS, and RF-based solutions.
• Analyzes and integrates physical layer technologies including waveforms, modulation schemes, error correction, and compression techniques to optimize performance in constrained and contested tactical environments.
• Evaluates and integrates emerging technologies, including SDRs, 5G, and edge compute, to enhance system capabilities.
• Participates in and leads Analysis of Alternatives, CONOPS development, and Technology Readiness Assessments.
• Collaborates closely with internal engineers, government stakeholders, and external partners to ensure alignment with mission needs and technical feasibility.
• Mentors junior engineers and contributes to the growth and technical direction of the program.

Benefits

• Endless growth opportunities
• Culture of excellence and close-knit teams
• Investment in employee wellbeing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees