Space Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Engineer

General Atomics • Englewood, CO

101d • $128,130 - $229,358

About The Position

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies. Whether a specific satellite for a specific mission or a constellation of interconnected spacecraft, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is redefining how customers can access the possibilities of space. GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed with a history of operational flight experience to support defense, civil, commercial, and academic mission requirements. General Atomics is seeking a highly skilled and senior Space Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Engineer to join our team in the Space Systems group. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of advanced SIGINT systems for satellite missions, including signal detection, collection, processing, and analysis. This role is critical to enabling the success of space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions for defense and national security applications. The successful candidate will report to the Space Systems Engineering Manager and, alongside a team of expert engineers, will play a key role in supporting the development and engineering of cutting-edge satellite systems, advanced sensors, high-energy lasers, photonic devices, motors and drives, defense products, and other innovative technologies within GA-EMS's expanding portfolio.

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a master's degree, or ten or more years with a PhD.
• Extensive experience in the design, development, and testing of space-based SIGINT systems, including RF signal detection, collection, and processing.
• Expertise in signal processing techniques, including Fourier analysis, digital filtering, and advanced modulation/demodulation algorithms.
• Familiarity with SIGINT payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Experience with RF system analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS) and signal processing platforms.
• Knowledge of spectrum management and compliance with spectrum regulations and standards (e.g., ITU, FCC, MIL-STD).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with satellite payload integration and testing, including RF hardware and software systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB for signal processing and algorithm development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex SIGINT challenges.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and professionals.
• Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and providing technical leadership on SIGINT-related issues.
• Customer-focused and able to formulate plans based on the development of innovative designs to resolve advanced technical engineering problems.
• Must be able to work independently or in a team environment and prepare and conduct detailed technical presentations and reviews for all levels of management, customers, and government representatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of space-based SIGINT systems, including RF signal detection, collection, and processing subsystems.
• Develop signal processing algorithms and architectures for satellite-based intelligence missions, including geolocation, modulation recognition, and signal characterization.
• Perform system-level analysis of SIGINT architectures to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and compliance with mission requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements for space-based SIGINT systems, including payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Conduct trade studies and analyses to identify innovative solutions for optimizing SIGINT system performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Support the integration and testing of SIGINT payloads and subsystems, including the development of test plans, procedures, and execution in laboratory and flight environments.
• Lead efforts to mitigate RF interference and ensure compliance with spectrum regulations and standards.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system specifications, design reports, test plans, and analysis reports.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in SIGINT and RF systems, and proactively identify opportunities for technology insertion and innovation.
• Provide technical leadership during SIGINT troubleshooting and resolution efforts, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Represent the company as a prime technical contact on SIGINT-related contracts and/or projects and interact with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between organizations.
• Function in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program and provide planning, direction, and oversight to less experienced professional staff or teams in technical efforts involving SIGINT engineering for space-based electronics and sensors.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• Salary: $128,130 - $229,358
• A current Top-Secret/SCI DoD Clearance is required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Master's degree