Principal Spacecraft Communication Systems Engineer I

El Segundo, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Please Note:To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations the applicant must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. conditional resident asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

AtCesiumAstro we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites UAVs launch vehicles and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment which allows us to learn develop and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on interactive and autonomous work CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate collaborative energetic and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We aredesigning building and launching 8 new satellites in the next four are BIG and super capableRF payloadrideshareSmallSats. Ourlaunches are already in-house test facilities areyou want to own critical communications forthese LEO communications satellitesand then have the chance to iterate and improveyour design at a rapidly growing tech company this is your chance.

Werelooking for builders problem-solvers and system aSpacecraftCommunication Systems Engineeryou will own the design configuration and operation of the satellites space-to-groundcommunication links. You will define how the satellite communicates with the ground in both nominal and off-nominal conditions ensuring reliable command telemetry and fault recovery.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systemsengineeringexpertisewith both space-based communication payloads and ground terminals andprovenability tocoordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Own the RF Link Model analyze andmaintainthe satellites link budgetmodulationand coding ensuring reliable communications from space to groundfor all RF links
OwnEnd-to-End EncryptionArchitect hardware-based crypto solutions for flight hardware manage pass-throughs and end points for users and operations
ManageGround StationsStrong understanding of ground station and network operations with the ability to troubleshoot issues with commercial providers andon-site terminals
Develop Operational Concepts Define how the radios are used in different mission phases including contingency operations and emergency recovery
Integrate & TestOwn theRF link test campaign and work with flight software and ground teams tovalidateend-to-endcommunication linkperformance from antenna to command center
Solve Hard Problems Optimize low-SWaPcommunications mitigate interference and ensure robust fail-safe links

WHAT A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKE

Youre an RF Systems Expert You understand how to design analyze and operate spaceborne communication links.
You Think in Link Budgets You can balance power bandwidth protocols and noise to ensure reliable space-to-ground connectivity. You can answer whats the link budget with thorough analysis EbN0 EsN0 or effective data rate given a variety of conditions.
Extensive and practical experience with cryptoFrom COMSEC plan development key management to system trouble shooting you have applied on the ground experience.
You Understand Satellites You know how comms fit into the broader mission from flight software integration to ground operations
Independent self-starter You are comfortable identifying problems and using your expertise to find solutions.
You Move Fast You can prototype test and iterate quickly focusing on whats needed to get a mission off the ground.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelorsdegree in electrical engineeringor a related field
A minimum of 9years of experiencewith emphasis onsatellite communications RF system engineering or related fields
Expertiseindesign verificationand operation ofsatellite communicationlinks
Strong understanding of link budget analysis modulation schemes and ground station interfaces
Hands-on experience configuring and testingground station equipment andspace-qualified radiosandantennas
Practical understanding of how space links fail why and how to fix thembefore they break
Ability to define and implementcommunication systemCONOPS for nominal and emergency operations
Experience withsatellite communication linklicensingand regulatory compliance (ITU/FCC)

$148500 - $199000 a year

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health dental vision HSA FSA life disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace color religion sex national origin disability protected Veteran Status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Staff IC

Please Note:To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations the applicant must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. conditional resident asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or eligible to obtain the required...