Principal Communication Systems Engineer II - Modeling & Sim

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 looking to add aPrincipal Communication Systems Engineer II - Modeling & Simto our team. If you are great at what you do, enjoy working in a startup environment, and have writing talent and a strong work ethic, we would like to hear from you.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, experience in space technology, and the ability to be the technical point of contact for our communication programs. In this position, you will lead the development of space architecture concepts, sub-system design, payload design, requirements development, analysis and decomposition, high-level software and hardware system architecture design, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and risk assessment. You will coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams, raise issues at the program level, and drive complex programs to success.

The successful candidate will communicate effectively with team members and internal stakeholders, both verbally and through written content.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate customer and operational needs to define requirements, integrate technical parameters, and assure compatibility of all physical, functional and program interfaces.
• Support reviews of requests for proposals to support solution development and response.
• Lead trade studies to optimize system architecture.
• Define and validate space system requirements and interfaces.
• Develop and direct technical concept development in support of proposals.
• Lead development of space architecture concepts, sub-system design, payload design, requirements development, analysis and decomposition, hardware system design, Link budget studies, gain line up, cascade analysis, array simulation studies, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and risk reduction.
• Lead analyses for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory, certification, product assurance and other specialties quality factors into a preferred configuration to ensure mission success.
• Experience modeling analog and digital domains of complex communication systems using tools such as MATLAB, SystemVue, and python.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Master's or Doctorate degree preferred.
• 11+ years of experience in space communications.
• Very strong background in communication theory.
• Deep understanding of RF concept, impairments, and the resulting impacts.
• Background and practical experience with FPGA & modern vector processing engines.
• Experience with and understanding of satellite-communications standards (NR NTN, DVB-S2x, CCSDS).
• Experience with at least one scripting and one programming language (ideally Python & C++).
• Experience working with product/component developers and vendors who provide critical functionality to the overall system.
• Experience with optical communications systems.
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Ability to define work direction, track milestones, and demonstrate progress on large open-ended projects.
• Sense of urgency, with the ability to work well under pressure.
• The ability to work well in teams, with peers and management.

$193,000 - $236,000 a year

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.

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.