Communications Engineer Jobs
Communications Engineer jobs are open across telecommunications, defense, aerospace, and enterprise IT, with specializations in RF systems, network infrastructure, and satellite communications, at every level from entry-level to principal and systems architect. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Communications Engineer JobsLooking for remote work? View remote communications engineer jobs →Overview
Showing 5 of 223+ Communications Engineer jobs
At Apple, we strive every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Our successes are the result of skilled domain experts working in an environment which encourages creativity, collaboration, and re-thinking of old problems in new ways! As a member of the Satellite Connectivity Group, you will work on the satellite network that enables connectivity to iPhone and Watch Ultra when off the grid without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Every day, Apple customers use Emergency SOS, Roadside assistance, and Messages via satellite to stay connected when they have no other means to communicate. You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape this and other critical services, to the benefit and safety of millions of Apple device users. Our team is seeking a RF communications systems engineer to build and improve space-based communications systems that touch people around the world. You will be working with an international, cross-functional team to deliver the future of high-performance, best-in-class wireless communications for millions of Apple customers. This includes everything from defining system architectures, to writing requirements and technical budgets, assessing system performance, planning test campaigns, and troubleshooting issues. You will be closely collaborating with internal teams as well as managing external suppliers to deliver on our vision. Help us build the next-generation Apple experience!
Description
We’re looking for an engineer who will: * Assess and trade performance of complex RF communications systems, breaking down contributions and interactions from subsystems and component units. * Develop RF system budgets (link budgets, gain and noise figure cascades, interference analyses, etc.) * Oversee and review RF system testing with internal teams and external suppliers. * Lead anomaly root-cause investigations across development, test campaigns, and operational systems. * Coordinate and drive alignment among cross-functional teams covering a diverse set of technical domains. * Translate complex findings into simple, compelling narratives that motivate action and drive improvements. * Travel regularly to collaborate closely with internal teams and external suppliers.
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years experience in RF or communications systems engineering or related experience.
- BS in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline.
- Experience designing and deploying large scale RF communications infrastructure.
- Strong knowledge of satellite RF communications systems.
- Proficient at analyzing cascaded systems performance.
- Proficient with link budgets and link quality assessments.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills, and solid teamwork & leadership skills.
- Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled technology and technical data regulated under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be eligible to access this export-controlled information.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years experience in space-based RF communications systems.
- MS/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline.
- Fluent in satellite, ground-station, and end-to-end RF systems design.
- Familiarity with phased array antenna and digital signal processing systems.
- Experience deploying and testing space-based RF communications systems.
- Experience with in-orbit operations.
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,000 and $308,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
At Apple, we strive every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Our successes are the result of skilled domain experts working in an environment which encourages creativity, collaboration, and re-thinking of old problems in new ways! As a member of the Satellite Connectivity Group, you will work on the satellite network that enables connectivity to iPhone and Watch Ultra when off the grid without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Every day, Apple customers use Emergency SOS, Roadside assistance, and Messages via satellite to stay connected when they have no other means to communicate. You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape this and other critical services, to the benefit and safety of millions of Apple device users. Our team is seeking a RF communications systems engineer to build and improve space-based communications systems that touch people around the world. You will be working with an international, cross-functional team to deliver the future of high-performance, best-in-class wireless communications for millions of Apple customers. This includes everything from defining system architectures, to writing requirements and technical budgets, assessing system performance, planning test campaigns, and troubleshooting issues. You will be closely collaborating with internal teams as well as managing external suppliers to deliver on our vision. Help us build the next-generation Apple experience!
Description
We’re looking for an engineer who will: * Assess and trade performance of complex RF communications systems, breaking down contributions and interactions from subsystems and component units. * Develop RF system budgets (link budgets, gain and noise figure cascades, interference analyses, etc.) * Oversee and review RF system testing with internal teams and external suppliers. * Lead anomaly root-cause investigations across development, test campaigns, and operational systems. * Coordinate and drive alignment among cross-functional teams covering a diverse set of technical domains. * Translate complex findings into simple, compelling narratives that motivate action and drive improvements. * Travel regularly to collaborate closely with internal teams and external suppliers.
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years experience in RF or communications systems engineering or related experience.
- BS in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline.
- Experience designing and deploying large scale RF communications infrastructure.
- Strong knowledge of satellite RF communications systems.
- Proficient at analyzing cascaded systems performance.
- Proficient with link budgets and link quality assessments.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills, and solid teamwork & leadership skills.
- Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled technology and technical data regulated under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be eligible to access this export-controlled information.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years experience in space-based RF communications systems.
- MS/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline.
- Fluent in satellite, ground-station, and end-to-end RF systems design.
- Familiarity with phased array antenna and digital signal processing systems.
- Experience deploying and testing space-based RF communications systems.
- Experience with in-orbit operations.
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,000 and $308,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
Communications Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 223+ Communications Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Communications Engineer JobsCommunications Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- MITRE16
- Secmation12
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory10
- Amazon9
- Blue Origin8
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Automotive
- Artificial Intelligence
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in communications engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering, or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience with RF systems, network protocols, or telecommunications infrastructure
- Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB, Cisco IOS, Wireshark, or spectrum analysis equipment
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance, or eligibility to obtain one
- Familiarity with industry standards including IEEE, MIL-STD, or ITU regulations
- Experience reading and producing system design documentation, link budgets, or network diagrams
Tips for Your Communications Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to RF or IP
Hiring managers for communications engineer roles rarely hire generalists at mid-level and above. Lead with your dominant technical stack, whether that's RF propagation and link budgets or IP routing and QoS, so your resume reaches the right reviewer in the first pass.
List certifications before job titles
Clearances and certifications like Secret, TS/SCI, or CompTIA Network+ are hard filters on many openings. Place them in a dedicated section at the top of your resume so screeners confirm eligibility before reading your work history.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists communications engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Match job descriptions to your signal experience
Defense and telecom postings frequently use precise technical language like SIGINT, SATCOM, or LTE uplink capacity planning. Mirror that language in your resume exactly where your experience supports it, so automated screening systems flag your application correctly.
Prepare a system-design walkthrough for interviews
Most technical interviews for communications engineer roles include a whiteboard or verbal exercise on designing a link, network segment, or communication system. Practice explaining your design decisions, tradeoffs, and failure modes out loud before the interview, not just on paper.
Negotiate clearance sponsorship before accepting
If a posting says clearance is preferred but not required, confirm during the offer stage whether the employer will sponsor the investigation and what the timeline looks like. That commitment affects your start date and your compensation picture significantly.
Communications Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most communications engineers?
The most active employers for communications engineers right now are MITRE, Secmation, and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and the most openings are in California, Virginia, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Defense contractors, telecom carriers, and federal systems integrators consistently make up the largest share of open roles.
How many communications engineer jobs are remote?
About 45% of communications engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by specialization. Network architecture and software-defined radio roles tend to have more remote flexibility, while RF field engineering, antenna installation, and roles requiring a security clearance are almost always on-site or at a cleared facility.
How do you become a communications engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field, with coursework in signal processing, electromagnetics, or network design. Build hands-on skills through labs, internships, or personal projects with software-defined radio or packet analysis tools. Entry roles in telecom operations or IT network support are common starting points, with more specialized positions following after a few years of applied experience and relevant certifications.
How do you get hired as a communications engineer with little experience?
Focus on roles titled network operations technician, RF technician, or communications systems technician, which share core skills with communications engineer positions but have lower experience requirements. Certifications in networking or radio frequency operations can substitute for years of experience in early screening. Building a portfolio of personal projects, such as a software-defined radio setup or a home lab network, gives you something concrete to discuss in technical interviews when your work history is thin.
What does the communications engineer interview process look like?
Most processes run three to four stages. An initial call with a recruiter or hiring manager covers your background and the role's scope. A technical screen follows, often including questions on signal theory, network protocols, or system design depending on the specialization. A final round typically involves a panel interview with engineers and sometimes a practical exercise where you walk through a design problem or troubleshoot a scenario. Clearance verification and reference checks run in parallel with later stages for defense roles.
Where can I find and apply to communications engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to communications engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 223+ Communications Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Communications Engineer Jobs