EL1 Radio Frequency Engineer

Position Title: EL1 Radio Frequency Engineer
Employment Type: Contract (Approx. 12 months with potential extension)
Location: Canberra
Hourly Pay Rate: Negotiable dependent on skills and experience
Security Clearance/Requirements: Australian Citizenship required; Must hold minimum NV1 security clearance at time of application
Working Arrangements: Onsite in Canberra with potential travel to remote and international locations as required

ABOUT THE ROLE

A Federal Government department is seeking an experienced EL1 Radio Frequency Engineer to support a major satellite communications modernisation initiative.

In this role you will contribute to the design implementation and ongoing support of advanced satellite communications systems. The position focuses on both legacy geostationary satellite infrastructure and emerging non-geostationary technologies ensuring reliable secure and high-performance connectivity across geographically dispersed locations.

You will work collaboratively with architecture cyber assurance and regional technical teams to support the rollout optimisation and maintenance of satellite communications capability. This role also involves technical investigations high-level system design and support for satellite terminal deployments across multiple locations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design implement and maintain satellite communications systems supporting enterprise WAN connectivity.

• Support the transition from legacy satellite technologies to modern satellite communications platforms.

• Perform RF engineering activities including design testing optimisation and troubleshooting of communication systems.

• Contribute to technical investigations architecture inputs and engineering design documentation.

• Support deployment configuration and maintenance of satellite terminals across geographically distributed sites.

• Produce high-quality technical documentation including system designs operational procedures and maintenance plans.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure resilient and high-availability communications services.

• Provide technical support during system deployment upgrades and operational activities.

• Travel to remote or international locations as required to support installation and maintenance activities.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated experience (5 years) in satellite communications engineering including geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems.

• Strong knowledge of RF and microwave communications including system design testing and optimisation.

• Experience designing or supporting high-availability WAN services including satellite-based connectivity solutions.

• Ability to produce clear high-quality technical documentation such as high-level designs and maintenance plans.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with experience working across distributed technical teams.

• Willingness and ability to travel to geographically dispersed locations for deployment and operational support.

Desirable:

• Experience working on government or defence satellite communications environments.

• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to engineers or technical staff.

• Relevant qualifications such as a Bachelor or Diploma in Electronics Communications Engineering or a related discipline.

ELIGIBILITY

• Australian Citizenship is required.

• Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an NV1 security clearance.

Apply now or contact John onat SOS Recruitment for a confidential discussion.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this role will close on 4pm Tuesday 17 March 2026. If your application is received after this date well be happy to keep your CV on file for similar opportunities that may come up. We encourage you to apply even if the closing date has passed.

SOS Recruitment is committed to the principles of workplace diversity and equity in employment and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people with disabilities women people with family responsibilities people with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds religious beliefs and LGBTIQ people.