Principal Systems Engineer (Ground Station Architect)

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.

CesiumAstro is seeking an experienced Communication Systems Architect to lead the design and evolution of our end-to-end space and ground system architectures. This role is responsible for defining, integrating, and maintaining current and future architectures across satellite platforms, communications payloads, ground stations, and supporting software systems.

As a principal-level individual contributor, you will work closely with engineering, product, program management, and business leadership to ensure architectural coherence, scalability, and alignment with customer and mission requirements.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience across satellite systems, space communications, ground infrastructure, and software-enabled systems, along with the ability to operate at both strategic and implementation levels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and maintain CesiumAstro's end-to-end architecture spanning satellite platforms, communications payloads, ground stations, and associated software systems.
• Provide architectural leadership and frameworks for system definition, development, integration, verification, and lifecycle evolution.
• Translate customer, mission, and business requirements into clear system architectures, interfaces, and engineering specifications.
• Analyze interactions between satellites, payloads, ground infrastructure, networks, and software services, assessing the impact of design changes and new capabilities.
• Define and maintain accurate, complete, and accessible architecture documentation, including Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), system diagrams, and interface definitions.
• Partner with engineering and product teams to develop technology roadmaps, align development plans, and ensure cohesive integration across space and ground segments.
• Perform system-level analysis using modeling, simulation, data analysis, and trade studies to evaluate performance, cost, risk, and scalability.
• Lead technical evaluations of new capabilities, products, and architectures to deliver cost-effective, high-performance solutions aligned with customer and business objectives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to solve complex technical challenges and support customer engagements.
• Contribute to proposal development, technical reviews, and strategic planning activities as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 15-19 years of relevant experience in space systems, satellite communications, or related aerospace domains.
• Strong expertise in space system architectures, including satellite platforms, communications payloads, ground stations, and networked systems.
• Experience defining system-level requirements, interfaces, and performance metrics across complex, multi-domain architectures.
• Demonstrated experience developing and documenting CONOPS and system architectures for space missions.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in resource-constrained environments.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work on ITAR-regulated programs.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience with satellite communications systems, including RF payloads, phased array antennas, and/or ground terminal architectures.
• Familiarity with digital signal processing, networking, and software-defined systems.
• Experience with cloud-based architectures, distributed systems, and virtualized environments.
• Background in modeling and simulation, system optimization, or advanced algorithm development.
• Experience working with government and/or commercial aerospace customers.

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 and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.