RF Communications Engineer
$87,100–$157,450 year
On-siteHuntsville, Alabama, United States
Huntsville, Alabama, United StatesOn-siteFull Time$87,100–$157,450 yearBachelors DegreeEnterprise
Full TimeBachelors DegreeEnterprise
Job Summary
Support Leidos Space Platforms Portfolio by developing lunar terrain vehicle systems and supporting equipment through subsystem integration, qualification, and testing of RF communications hardware. Conduct RF simulation analysis, electromagnetic compatibility testing, and end-to-end system verification to ensure seamless operational systems. Translate high-level product strategies into detailed requirements while collaborating with multi-discipline teams to resolve documentation discrepancies for Lunar Outpost and other partners. Coordinate with NASA and federal agencies for spectrum planning and permits. Based in the Huntsville - North Alabama area with 10-20% travel.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or equivalent degree from an ABET-accredited institution
- 5+ years of prior relevant experience
- Master's degree
- 3+ years of prior relevant experience
- PhD degrees
- experience with roles, as detailed in this description, with an engineering company or system integrator where design, integration, testing, and/or modification of human-rated aerospace systems communications hardware was involved
- demonstrated experience developing RF link budgets
- hardware experience with space-based transceivers, antennas, and amplifiers
- hands-on experience with RF simulation and analysis tools such as HFSS, CST Studio Suite, ADS, or equivalent electromagnetic simulation software
- experience conducting subsystem-level testing, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, and end-to-end communications system verification
- excellent oral and written communication skills
- demonstrated experience effectively communicating within a team environment
- resident of the North Alabama area
- willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area
- US Citizenship
- ability to obtain and maintain security clearance
Desired Qualifications
- experience and/or working knowledge of Space Communications Systems
- demonstrated the ability to architect and implement complex space-based RF communication links/systems from concept through flight operations
- Proficiency with CCSDS (Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems) standards and NASA communication protocols
- Understanding of communications with regards to navigation and telemetry systems
- Understanding standards for packet data formats, coding and synchronization, modulation schemes (BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, APSK, SOQPSK, GMSK), and forward error correction algorithms
- Experience with lunar surface communications systems and rover-to-orbiter relay architectures
- Cislunar or deep space communications heritage
- Experience with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) or Near Space Network (NSN) operations
- Experience with Wi-Fi standards including IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) protocols and implementations
- Hands-on experience with integration and testing of Wi-Fi subsystems in aerospace or ruggedized environments
- Knowledge of Wi-Fi performance tests including throughput, latency, packet error rate, and range testing
- Experience with Wi-Fi coexistence analysis and mitigation in multi-radio environments
- Familiarity with Wi-Fi security protocols (WPA2, WPA3) and network configuration for mission-critical applications
- Experience conducting Wi-Fi subsystem qualification testing including environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum)
- Knowledge of MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) antenna systems and beamforming techniques for Wi-Fi applications
- Experience with RF PCB design using tools such as Altium Designer or Keysight ADS
- Proficiency in STK (Systems Tool Kit) integration and scripting for mission analysis and end-to-end system modeling
- Programming experience in Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or similar languages for RF system analysis and automation
- Coordinating and planning frequency spectrum with Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Interagency Operations Advisory Group (IOAG), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Obtaining space-based communication permits and licenses
- Knowledgeable with electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis and testing, passive intermodulation (PIM), and harmonic effects
- Experience with cosite analysis and antenna pattern analysis using computational electromagnetic software such as STK, HFSS, E3Expert, GEMACS, and/or MATLAB/Simulink
- Familiarity with mobile platform antenna systems, phased array antennas, and vehicular RF integration challenges
- Experience across multiple frequency bands including S-Band, X-Band, Ka-Band, C-Band, L-Band, and ISM band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) RF design
- Knowledge of RF filter design (microstrip and waveguide)
- Experience with test bench equipment including VNA, VSG, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and Wi-Fi test equipment
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