COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Dec 11, 2024 - The Communications Systems Engineer has experience in RF and communications systems design, data link hardware development, algorithm development, and digital signal processing, with proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, SIMULINK, and C/C++. This role requires expertise in fixed-point algorithm simulations for VHDL verification, wireless fading model simulation, and leading multi-disciplined engineering teams to develop and sustain communication products across the life cycle. The engineer also has strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present comprehensive technical briefings, coupled with a self-starting attitude and experience in software-intensive system design and development.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Communications Systems Engineer Resume
  • Network Design
  • System Integration
  • RF Engineering
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Protocol Analysis
  • Cybersecurity
  • Software Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Technical Writing
  • Hardware Troubleshooting
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
  • Time Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Project Management
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal Skills

Summary of Communications Systems Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Electrical Engineering with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience with SATCOM equipment, including hands on experience
  • Knowledge of, and experience with industry technologies including SATCOM theory, terrestrial communications infrastructure, TCP/IP Networking, digital communications, Routing and switching, QoS, ACM, FDMA, MF-TDMA, Linux, and cybersecurity
  • Knowledge of, and experience with MIL-STD waveforms, and MIL-STD testing
  • Hands-on operational and/or test experience with commonly used communications and test equipment (modems, terminals, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, antennas, routers)
  • Experience with technical product development, project lifecycle, and product management (Requirements development, Milestone reviews, testing, documentation, customer acceptance, etc)
  • Experience in the design, analysis, and simulation of communication systems
  • An expert-level understanding of communication systems theory, including modulation, coding, and synchronization
  • An expert-level understanding of communication waveforms, channels, and link performance
  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement communication system simulations in MATLAB, Python, or C++.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate vague concepts into practical, well-defined technical plans
  • Mobile platforms of interest include Linux, Android, iOS
  • Demonstrated software and hardware systems expertise

2. BS in Telecommunications Engineering with 10 years of Experience

  • Expertise in digital communication theory, including coding and modulation, information theory, and detection and estimation.
  • Experience with waveform-level simulation of communications systems using C/C++.
  • Familiarity with iterative detection (message-passing) algorithms and their applications.
  • Expertise in laboratory debug techniques using digital scopes, logic analyzers, BERTS, and other complex measurement devices.
  • Experience with FPGA and ASIC implementations and DSP software based implementations is desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor engineers
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to present complex topics clearly to a broad audience, write technical reports,
  • Ability to interact constructively across interdisciplinary and inter-organizational teams
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). 
  • Familiarity with wireless communications development platforms, including GNU Radio
  • Demonstrates strong verification and debug skills.

3. BS in Computer Engineering with 15 years of Experience

  • Progressive work experience and thorough understanding of the following Communications system design, and construction. 
  • Experience with Regulations and standards for communications system design, operation, and maintenance
  • Communications system project and/or construction management, as well as systems integration management experience
  • Advanced knowledge of subsystems such as train control, supervisory control/ SCADA, traction power, tunnel ventilation, and auxiliary electrical systems
  • Knowledge of on-board/ wayside interface
  • Knowledge/expertise with communications system aspects of train control technologies such as ATC, PTC, and CBTC
  • Rail Transit communications system project experience
  • Works independently, demonstrates initiative and interacts with a variety of engineering development teams.
  • Demonstrates strong documentation skills and proficiency with PC office applications.
  • Demonstrates analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively interact with customers, both for program development and program status.

4. BS in Network Engineering with 14 years of Experience

  • Experience with design, layout, test, operation, and troubleshooting of radio frequency (RF) digital circuits, space-based RF communications subsystems, and ground-based RF communications systems.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of digital signal processing technologies and protocols, to include RF modulation techniques, error coding, and standards.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills including articulating and presenting technical information in a clear and concise manner to peers and senior technical and non-technical staff
  • BS degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or related field. Master of Science Degree
  • Qualification within or direct experience with Department of Defense or Intelligence Community Special Operations.
  • Experience with cable and intelligence product writing.
  • Strong research skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Experience with network design and implementation
  • Experience with Space Vehicles, Satellites, and Payloads
  • Experience with Firmware Development
  • Knowledge of US Export/Import law in regards to space technologies
  • Experience with optical comm design and implementation

5. BS in Systems Engineering with 9 years of Experience

  • Experience with requirements allocation and verification for comms subsystems
  • Experience with comm subsystem trades and analysis
  • Experience with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools for developing architectures and functional analysis
  • Experience across the Systems Engineering Lifecycle/V such as Developing Concepts of Operations, Requirements Development, Decomposition, and Management
  • System Level Design and Architecture
  • Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-discipline environment to produce deliverable products
  • Ability to identify, manage, and mitigate technical risk
  • Experience with SEIT tools such as DOORS, MATLAB, C++, and Python
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite of tools, particularly Excel, Project, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with all levels of the organization
  • Active TS/SSBI with the ability to obtain SAP and SCI access
  • Experience with RF design and implementation

6. BS in Information Technology with 14 years of Experience

  • Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
  • Knowledge of how space communications systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office applications, MATLAB, and communications link budget modeling software.
  • Understanding Information Assurance RF processes and requirements.
  • Familiarity with cryptographic systems and equipment.
  • Current NRO-adjudicated clearance and polygraph.
  • Demonstrated understanding of intelligence mission.
  • Basic knowledge of intelligence organizations, disciplines, systems, and processes.
  • Experience with baseband and digital signal processing, and waveform design
  • Possess strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills

7. BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering with 8 years of Experience

  • Must be a team player and possess a strong ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with customers providing detailed and unbiased feedback, guidance, and recommendations.
  • Strong time management skills and ability to support multiple projects
  • Excellent communication skills and must be proactive and forward-leaning.
  • Prior SETA experience and ability to multi-task.
  • Some experience working development of ground segments as part of the overall space-based mission
  • Basic understanding of space-based RF communications methods, hardware/software
  • Experience with Digital Signal Processing and processing segment hardware/software systems and waveform development
  • Experience developing and testing algorithms in a MATLAB environment
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements.

8. BS in Software Engineering with 9 years of Experience

  • Communications Systems design experience
  • Strong system, software, or test background including design and implementation
  • Experience working with interdisciplinary teams
  • Strong analytic/mathematics background
  • Understanding of model-based system engineering techniques
  • Link 16 or tactical data link experience
  • Knowledge of RF Systems and networking fundamentals
  • Experience developing embedded code (C)
  • Experience developing firmware (Verilog or VHDL)
  • Working knowledge of modern FPGA architectures
  • Experience with version control software (Git)
  • Experience with lab test equipment, script development, JAMA and JIRA

9. BS in Computer Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Have engineering experience in an aerospace environment 
  • Practical working experience with system architecture design, trade studies, and performance analysis and simulation
  • Technical experience with supporting hardware development utilizing antenna, RF, digital, and microelectronic technologies
  • Advanced Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science
  • Completed relevant coursework in Communication Theory and Digital Signal Processing
  • Cloud hosting experience (Azure, AWS, etc.)
  • Experience with web-based applications (HTML5, API, web services, JSON, etc)
  • Experience with effective oral and written communications and the ability to manage multiple projects
  • Experience in surveillance data processing and/or command and control solutions for on-board UAS tracking and command and control
  • Must meet US ITAR and export control eligibility requirements
  • Experience with SW-based systems engineering and verification/validation
  • Experience designing, developing and integrating complex systems

10. BS in Cybersecurity with 6 years of Experience

  • Have systems engineering and support of an enterprise Linux/Unix environment.
  • Knowledge of Linux/Unix OS, TCP/IP, Active Directory, BIND, NTP, syslog, NFS and familiarity with multiple Open Source applications such as Nagios and Apache. 
  • Experience with complex Linux enterprise environments
  • Experience with Oracle VM, WebLogic, and Oracle DB.
  • Extensive experience with Linux/Unix used in combination with enterprise storage solutions.
  • Strong background in virtualization technologies such as VMware, and Oracle VM. 
  • Experience managing SAN/NAS/Backup solutions
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
  • Ability to work independently and coordinate with others to prioritize projects as well as combining research and expertise to assist organization. 
  • Able to provide on call and after hours support

11. BS in Digital Communications with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience with RF, communications systems design, data link hardware development, algorithm development, or digital signal processing
  • Programming/simulation experience in MATLAB, SIMULINK, C/C++ or equivalent language
  • Communications systems design, data link hardware development, algorithm development, and or digital signal processing.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop and present comprehensive technical briefings to peers and to program and customer leadership.
  • Experience with fixed point algorithm simulations for VHDL verification.
  • Experience with wireless fading model simulation.
  • Ability to lead multi-disciplined engineering teams in order to develop and sustain communication products across the life cycle.
  • Experience with cost and schedule development for large data link development efforts.
  • Experience with communication theory, probability theory, stochastic signal processing, RF and/or electromagnetic theory.
  • Experience in software intensive system design and development
  • Ability to handle change and a self-starting attitude. 
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