Sr. Communications Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic and analytical support to customers with missions in national security to include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields of countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety. In addition to management and advisory services, CIG staff collaborate closely with our clients to provide high-quality modeling, simulation, software, and analytical products to meet the most demanding government standards and timelines.

We have an upcoming need for a Sr. Communications Engineer to provide hybrid support out of the DC Area.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled Sr. Communications Engineer to integrate RF and wireless communications systems engineering principles into the acquisition lifecycle of DHS (Major and Non-Major) programs, with particular emphasis on CBP border security, surveillance, and mission-critical communications. This role focuses on ensuring technical and programmatic requirements for cellular, satellite, microwave, terrestrial RF, and related wireless systems are met throughout the system lifecycle, from concept development to sustainment. Provide tailored systems engineering and test & evaluation (T&E) services, support senior leadership decision-making on spectrum and communications trade-offs, and drive effective and efficient program execution. With an intermediate understanding of acquisition processes, manage technical data, RF interfaces, spectrum coordination, and risks while mentoring junior engineers and guiding contractors to align technical performance with operational needs in challenging border environments. Apply systems engineering principles (e.g., stakeholder requirements definition, requirements analysis, architecture design, integration, verification, validation, and transition) to DHS acquisition programs involving RF and wireless communications (cellular, satellite, microwave, terrestrial RF, etc.), ensuring alignment with the Acquisition Lifecycle Framework (ALF) and integration with Test & Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP). Collaborate with program managers to integrate communications systems engineering and T&E into all phases of acquisition, including concept development, design, development, link performance testing, spectrum compliance testing, and sustainment. Support milestone reviews, Acquisition Review Board (ARB) deliverables, and operational test & evaluation activities for border security communications systems. Provide data-driven analyses, technical briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership to facilitate informed decision-making on cost, schedule, performance, and spectrum trade-offs for communications systems. Develop reports, link budgets, coverage analyses, propagation studies, and visualizations to communicate program status, risks, and interoperability considerations. Oversee technical data, configuration management, RF interface control, spectrum coordination, and risk management processes. Ensure traceability of requirements and alignment of technical performance measures (TPMs) with operational characteristics for communications subsystems, including frequency allocation, interference mitigation, and electromagnetic compatibility. Engage with internal stakeholders (e.g., DHS components like CBP, TSA, and NTIA/FCC spectrum offices) and external partners (e.g., contractors, interagency groups, commercial carriers) to resolve technical challenges, ensure system interoperability, coordinate spectrum access, and support frequency allocation requests for mission-critical border operations. Leverage specialized tools including Cambium LINKPlanner for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint microwave/wireless link design, path profiling, performance prediction, and "what-if" scenario modeling; and Spectrum Center's Spectrum-E for spectrum management, e-licensing support, technical analysis (coverage plots, best server analysis, interference studies), and coordination workflows. Conduct RF propagation modeling, link budget analysis, and spectrum supportability assessments to inform system design and deployment in border environments.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field with emphasis on RF/wireless communications.
• 10+ years in communications engineering, RF systems design, or wireless network engineering, with 5+ years supporting DHS or DoD acquisition programs (Major or Non-Major).
• Demonstrated experience applying systems engineering and T&E processes to RF, satellite, cellular, microwave, and tactical communications systems across the full acquisition lifecycle.
• Active Top Secret clearance.
• Intermediate knowledge of DHS (MD 102-01) or DoD acquisition processes and frameworks, with demonstrated ability to integrate communications systems requirements into acquisition documentation and milestone reviews.
• Strong understanding of RF communications principles, including link budgets, propagation modeling (urban, rural, terrain-obstructed), antenna systems, interference analysis/mitigation, spectrum sharing, and performance optimization for cellular (4G/5G), satellite (LEO/MEO/GEO), microwave backhaul, and terrestrial/mesh RF networks.
• Proficiency with communications planning and spectrum management tools, specifically Cambium LINKPlanner for wireless link planning and performance prediction, and Spectrum Center's Spectrum-E for technical analysis, coverage mapping, interference coordination, and spectrum workflow support.
• Experience with requirements management, configuration control, interface management (including RF/physical interfaces), and T&E processes for communications systems, including developmental testing (DT), operational testing (OT), spectrum certification, and electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) considerations.
• Ability to author and/or be a key contributor to MD 102 documents (e.g., CONOPS, CDS, SEP, SELC Tailoring Plan, OA) as well as spectrum-specific artifacts such as spectrum supportability analyses, frequency allocation requests, and coordination packages with NTIA/FCC.
• Experience with risk management, verification & validation, lifecycle cost analysis, and spectrum compliance for complex acquisition programs involving wireless technologies.
• Excellent communication skills for briefing senior leaders, mentoring engineering teams, documenting technical processes, and translating complex RF/spectrum concepts into actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, mission-critical environment supporting border security and law enforcement communications requirements.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Master's degree.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience with border security, surveillance, or mission-critical communications networks.
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, Innoslate, Cameo) and methodologies (e.g., MBSE, Agile/DevSecOps), as well as advanced RF modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, HFSS, or equivalent propagation/interference analysis software).
• Experience with DHS-specific programs (e.g., border security surveillance systems, biometric data transport over wireless networks, counter-UAS communications, or remote sensor networks) or DoD tactical communications, electronic warfare (EW), or SATCOM programs.
• Familiarity with agile acquisition approaches, DevSecOps practices, and modular open systems approaches (MOSA) as applied to government communications modernization efforts.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST RMF, CNSSI 1253) as applied to RF and wireless acquisition programs, including secure voice/data, encryption over wireless links, and zero-trust architectures for tactical networks.
• Prior experience leading technical reviews, spectrum coordination working groups, or supporting Acquisition Decision Events (ADEs) and milestone decisions for communications-intensive programs.
• Hands-on experience with real-world deployment, testing, or sustainment of heterogeneous communications networks (cellular small cells/macro, LEO satellite backhaul, microwave links, HF/VHF/UHF tactical radio, mesh networks) in austere or remote environments typical of U.S. border regions.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Washington DC Pay Transparency Salary range: $135k-$175K