RF Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Communications
$150,000–$170,000 year
On-siteChantilly, Virginia, United States
Chantilly, Virginia, United StatesOn-siteFull Time$150,000–$170,000 yearStartup
Full TimeStartup
Job Summary
Design and refine spacecraft communications systems, including inter-satellite links and direct-to-ground radios, while selecting components that meet system needs. Build and test payloads in the lab and orbit, run simulations and link budgets, and plan antenna layout on hardware. Support integration, testing, and launch handover, maintaining clear documentation throughout the development cycle. Work with systems engineers to feed real-world performance into broader network design and define operations concepts for spacecraft and ground stations.
Required Qualifications
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with radios, antennas, and SDRs (software-defined radios)
- Programming skills in one or more of: Python, C++, C, MATLAB
- Experience working in Linux environments
- Comfortable with networking and comms protocols (e.g., CCSDS, TCP/IP, Ethernet)
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with space hardware projects or satellite systems
- Bonus: experience with microcontrollers, hardware debugging, and RF lab tools
- A collaborative mindset, flexibility to pivot when needed, and the initiative to own your work from concept to deployment
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