Job Details

Sr. Systems Architect (REMOTE with Travel)

Join Fairwinds Technologies as a Senior Systems Architect, overseeing the design, development, and deployment of 5G ORAN Radio and RAN Software solutions with a focus on military applications.

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD (Remote with Travel)

Type: Remote with Travel 2530% travel

Salary Range: $150,000 $200,000 annually (actual pay based on skills and experience)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer with deep expertise in 5G ORAN architecture, Radio and/RAN software architecture, 5G waveforms, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), Frequency Hopping, and OpenAirInterface (OAI). The role leads a multidisciplinary team of DSP and embedded software engineers to architect advanced RF, SATCOM, and tactical network solutions for defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

This position reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and collaborates closely with customers and engineering teams to deliver solutions for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions and strategic border protection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect integrated communications systems using RF, SATCOM, and IP-based technologies, focusing on 5G waveforms, DSSS, Frequency Hopping, and OpenAirInterface.
• Lead and mentor a team of DSP and embedded software engineers to deliver robust, real-time communications solutions.
• Adapt and extend the 5G OpenAirInterface stack to meet military LPI/LPD requirements through DSSS and Frequency Hopping techniques.
• Develop and validate system-level approaches for integrating DSSS and Frequency Hopping into 5G-based tactical communications.
• Conduct link budgets, interference analysis, and RF propagation assessments, including spread spectrum and frequency agility.
• Support integration and testing of communication systems in laboratory and field settings.
• Interface with hardware and software teams to drive system-level performance.
• Author technical documentation, system specifications, and SBIR deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in ORAN 5G RAN and Radio systems, RF or SATCOM systems engineering, with focus on 5G waveforms, digital signal processing, and spread spectrum techniques.
• Experience leading teams in DSP and embedded software development.
• Hands?on experience with the 5G OpenAirInterface (OAI) stack, including gNB, EPC/5GC, and UE integration.
• Practical knowledge of DSSS and Frequency Hopping for secure, resilient wireless communications.
• Familiarity with adapting 5G/OAI for military applications, including LPI/LPD techniques.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, STK, or similar simulation tools.
• Experience with Tactical and Commercial MANET Radios.
• U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Communications, Electrical Engineering, or Wireless Systems.
• Experience with 5G core deployment using containerized or virtualized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience integrating 5G RAN with SATCOM or tactical mesh backhaul for hybrid deployments.
• Knowledge of network slicing, QoS management, and URLLC/eMBB optimization for airborne and mobile platforms.
• Understanding of 3GPP specifications (Rel?15 to Rel?18) and their application to UAV communications.
• Background in RF planning, beamforming, and MIMO antenna systems for UAV?mounted 5G nodes.
• Prior work on field deployment of private 5G networks for military, aerospace, or large?scale IoT systems.
• Experience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government?funded R&D efforts.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position will supervise DSP and embedded software engineering teams.

Work Environment

Primarily performed in a traditional office environment; remote with occasional travel.

Physical Demands

Occasional standing, walking, sitting, using hands for tools, and operating handheld equipment. Vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type / Expected Hours

Full?time, exempt. Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Travel

Willing to travel 2530% when required.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance.

Other Duties

Job duties may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP / EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Why Join Us

Opportunity to work on cutting?edge technologies and innovative projects, including DoD SBIR initiatives.; Collaborative and inclusive work environment.; Competitive salary and benefits package.; Professional development and growth opportunities.

Seniority Level

Mid?Senior level

Employment Type

Full?time

Job Function

Engineering and Information Technology; Defense and Space Manufacturing

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