Satellite Communications Engineer- South Pole, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2026 / Winter 2027)

Note: If you would like to be considered for more than one position or position tier, please individually apply for all positions that you are interested in. One application submitted for a specific position does not automatically include you to be considered for all positions that you may be qualified to perform.

Job Purpose

Responsible for operations and maintenance support (tier 2 and 3) of satellite communications systems, engineer design, link analysis, and integration of satellite communications systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform tier 2 and 3 support for existing SATCOM links. This will include integrating link analysis data to identify any link or satellite system performance issues.
• Assist on-ice operational personal with any antenna or satellite system ops support needs
• Help identify, develop, or modify any satellite system maintenance or performance issues, including antenna ops or link performance so the satellite link will operate at optimal performance.
• Provide engineering services for SATCOM system designs which can include developing and analyzing link budgets, system upgrades, and design and integration of upgrades for new services and projects. The satellite systems are used to support voice, data, video transfer and urgent life safety needs such as medical video teleconference calls.
• Provide engineering and ops services for satellite monitoring and control systems. These systems are an integral part of our satellite communication system
• Provide engineering and subject matter expert support to all other departments such as Information Security, Systems Architecture, USAP management, and to the customer (NSF), or the customer's agents.
• Review satellite systems for sparing and life cycle maintenance schedules. This will include establishing both tactical and strategic budgeting plans to meet life cycle replacement needs.
• Review satellite system, antenna, electronics, and maintenance schedules to ensure uninterrupted communications capabilities.
• Provide engineering services in developing and reviewing satellite system designs, and project documentation.
• Provide engineering support to Project Managers, technical writers, and other project staff members.
• Work with the Manager, Supervisor, or Project Manager, in Information Technology, as team member or lead in using Project Management methodology to accomplish engineering projects.
• Deploy to Antarctica or other locations to gather information or to be able to work and perform as a team member. This will include working on site in Antarctica for any satellite system upgrades or any satellite system installations, as required.
• Design, assemble, test, deploy and support mobile SATCOM terminals as required.
• Provide engineering level analysis or recommendations to ASC management and the NSF as it pertains to satellite communications.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority in the workplace.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• BS in Engineering, Communications Systems, or Satellite Systems preferred. Equiv. exp. accepted in lieu of degree.
• Two years of diversified satellite engineer experience in design, system integration, operational support and review is required. An additional four years recent experience supporting and maintaining technical communication equipment is required.
• Experience in other RF communication fields such as HF, UHF/VHF, microwave is preferred.
• Experience with large aperture SATCOM systems as well as VSAT SATCOM systems preferred.
• Experience with Maxview Monitoring and Control (M&C) software a plus.

Competencies

• Technical Capacity.
• Organizational Skills.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.

Physical Requirements

• Deployment will be required in this position. In addition to the completion of a compatibility face to face interview, the individual in the position must successfully complete physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.
• Complies with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedures.
• Individual must be capable of operating a standard desktop computer; must be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Position Expectations

• This is a full-time, seasonal position located in Antarctica.
• All expenses paid while on-ice; meals, lodging, medical, gear, travel to and from Antarctica.
• Performance Period: Oct 2026 - Nov 2027

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer as defined by the EEOC