Principal Spacecraft Communication Systems Engineer I

CesiumAstro•Austin, TX 78701, US• Contract

Posted 19 hours ago• Aerospace Engineering

Job Description

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.

At CesiumAstro, 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 are designing, building, and launching 8 new satellites in the next four years. They are BIG and super capable RF payload rideshare SmallSats. Our launches are already secured. Our in-house test facilities are built.If you want to own critical communications for these LEO communications satellites and then have the chance to iterate and improve your design at a rapidly growing tech company, this is your chance.

We’re looking for builders, problem-solvers, and system thinkers. As a Spacecraft Communication Systems Engineer, you will own the design, configuration, and operation of the satellite’s space-to-ground communication 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 systems engineering, expertise with both space-based communication payloads and ground terminals, and proven ability to coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Own the RF Link – Model, analyze and maintain the satellite’s link budget, modulation and coding, ensuring reliable communications from space to ground for all RF links

Own End-to-End Encryption—Architect hardware-based crypto solutions for flight hardware, manage pass-throughs and end points for users and operations

Manage Ground Stations—Strong understanding of ground station and network operations with the ability to troubleshoot issues with commercial providers and on-site terminals

Develop Operational Concepts – Define how the radios are used in different mission phases, including contingency operations and emergency recovery

Integrate & Test – Own the RF link test campaign and work with flight software and ground teams to validate end-to-end communication link performance, from antenna to command center

Solve Hard Problems – Optimize low-SWaP communications, mitigate interference, and ensure robust, fail-safe links

WHAT A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKE

You’re 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 “what’s the link budget” with thorough analysis, EbN0, EsN0, or effective data rate given a variety of conditions.

Extensive and practical experience with crypto—From 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 what’s needed to get a mission off the ground.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineeringor a related field

A minimum of 9 years of experience with emphasis on satellite communications, RF system engineering, or related fields

Expertise in design, verification, and operation of satellite communication links

Strong understanding of link budget analysis, modulation schemes, and ground station interfaces

Hands-on experience configuring and testing ground station equipment and space-qualified radios and antennas

Practical understanding of how space links fail, why, and how to fix them before they break

Ability to define and implement communication system CONOPS for nominal and emergency operations

Experience with satellite communication link licensing and regulatory compliance (ITU/FCC)

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s 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 to race, 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.