Sr. Systems Engineer, Space Communications Verified today

About the Role

Design, analyze, and validate wireless communication systems for satellite platforms. This role covers the full communication link: RF front-end and antenna design through modem architecture and ground station integration. You will work across S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF radio systems, performing link budget analysis and system-level performance evaluation to ensure robust, high-reliability communication links for space missions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop wireless communication systems for satellite platforms, including RF subsystems operating in S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF frequency ranges
• Lead antenna design, simulation, and validation efforts to meet mission-specific coverage, gain, and pattern requirements
• Support ground station design, integration, and operational readiness for satellite communication links
• Perform link budget analysis and simulation to validate communication link performance across mission scenarios and operating conditions
• Select, architect, and integrate COTS modem hardware, including part selection, validation testing, and system integration
• Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration of the physical layer modem with other system components
• Perform detailed performance analysis of the designed communication system, including link budget analysis, throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
• Conduct RF and wireless system testing using lab-grade test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
• Develop and execute test plans and validation procedures for RF, antenna, and modem subsystems
• Troubleshoot and resolve communication link performance issues identified during integration, test, or field operations
• Document design decisions, analysis results, and test data, and present findings in design reviews
• Collaborate with systems engineering to define communication system requirements and trade studies
• Support FCC certification and regulatory compliance efforts for RF transmitters, including equipment authorization filings, spurious emissions testing, and coordination with test labs
• Ensure RF system designs comply with applicable FCC Part 25 (satellite) and other relevant domestic and international spectrum regulations
• Prepare technical documentation and test reports required for regulatory submissions and spectrum licensing applications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Wireless Communications, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of professional experience in wireless communication systems engineering, with a focus on satellite or space-based communication systems
• Hands-on experience with S-band, X-band, and UHF radio systems for satellite communication applications
• Demonstrated experience in antenna design, simulation, and validation testing
• Experience with ground station design, integration, and operations
• Strong background in link budget analysis and communication system simulation
• Experience selecting, architecting, and integrating COTS modem hardware, including component-level validation
• Proficiency with wireless/RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and BERTs
• Solid understanding of physical layer modem architecture and its interfaces to hardware and software systems
• Experience performing communication system performance analysis, including throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex RF/communication system issues
• Effective communicator able to collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
• Familiarity with FCC certification processes and regulatory compliance requirements for RF transmitting equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in RF/Wireless Communications, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant RF hardware design
• Familiarity with modulation and coding schemes used in satellite communication (e.g., QPSK, OQPSK, LDPC, Reed-Solomon)
• Experience with satellite communication standards and protocols (e.g., CCSDS)
• Background in phased array or steerable antenna systems
• Experience with RF simulation tools (Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent) and link budget/system simulation tools (STK, MATLAB/Simulink)
• Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms
• Experience supporting satellite mission operations or field deployment of ground station equipment
• Direct experience leading FCC equipment authorization filings (e.g., Part 15, Part 25) or working with FCC-accredited test labs
• Familiarity with international spectrum regulatory bodies (e.g., ITU, ETSI) for cross-border satellite communication licensing
• Publications or patents related to satellite communication system design

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $182,000 - $243,000 annually. Actual base salary depends on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.