RF Systems Engineer III

Role Overview

• Collaborate with the Chief Communications Architect to develop end-to-end RF communications system architectures for spacecraft across civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs
• Develop and maintain initial RF link budgets for space-to-ground and crosslink communications across a range of mission profiles and orbital regimes
• Define and develop system-level RF specifications and flow them down to spacecraft development teams for further design, integration, and delivery
• Design and support testing of spacecraft Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems and mission data systems
• Perform RF systems analysis and trade studies, including modulation schemes, frequency band selection, antenna coverage, and link margin optimization
• Support requirements definition, traceability, and verification across the RF communications subsystem lifecycle
• Conduct performance analysis for missions spanning Earth-centered orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO) as well as deep space environments including cislunar and Mars
• Engage with internal spacecraft development teams and external partners to ensure RF system designs meet mission requirements
• Contribute to technical reviews and provide subject matter expertise on RF communications topics
• Support proposal development and new business capture activities across the business unit
• Stay current with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in spacecraft RF communications

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a closely related technical field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in RF systems engineering, including design, analysis, integration, and/or test of spacecraft communications systems
• Demonstrated experience developing RF link budgets and performing end-to-end communications system analysis
• Working knowledge of spacecraft TT&C subsystem architectures, including transmitters, receivers, transponders, and associated ground station equipment
• Experience developing and flowing down system-level RF specifications to hardware development teams
• Familiarity with RF communications standards and protocols relevant to space applications (e.g., CCSDS)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform system-level trade studies and communicate results clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical documentation and design reviews

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Up to four (4) weeks paid time off per year
• Up to 14 company-paid holidays