We are looking for an experienced and driven
Communication Systems Architect to lead the definition and execution of advanced satellite communication systems. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and a broad understanding of the full space product lifecycle, from concept through deployment. As the technical point of contact to our customers and the engineering lead for internal execution, you will be critical to ensuring our products meet mission, technical, and business goals.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead the definition of communications architectures including RF front ends, digital processing chains, beamforming arrays, channelizers, and modems.
- Drive architectural decisions across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries.
- Provide end-to-end technical leadership across the full product lifecycle from requirements definition, design, and development to integration, test, qualification, and delivery of space-qualified hardware.
- Act as the primary technical point of contact with customers. Translate mission needs into engineering requirements, lead technical reviews, and ensure alignment across program phases.
- Own technical execution for programs, guiding and coordinating engineering activities across electrical, RF, mechanical, firmware, and software domains.
- Partner with the business development team to shape technical solutions, write proposal content, and engage in customer capture activities.
- Define system-level requirements and preliminary designs to support new opportunities. Assist with scoping SOWs and shaping architectures during early-phase engagements.
- Lead architectural and component-level trade studies to balance performance, cost, risk, and schedule.
- Provide leadership and guidance to engineering teams, ensuring technical integrity and execution excellence.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
- 20+ years of experience developing advanced communications systems in satellite or aerospace.
- Broad understanding of full-lifecycle space product development, including design, integration, qualification, and mission operations.
- Proven experience as a technical execution lead, responsible for driving system performance and engineering progress across disciplines.
- Deep background in digital communications, RF architecture, signal processing, and FPGA-based systems.
- Hands-on experience with SDRs, high-speed digital systems, and RF designs.
- Experience with phased array antennas and digital beamforming.
- Understanding of satellite payload constraints including power, thermal, and volume budgets.
- Experience with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, STK, ADS, or equivalent.
- Comfortable working directly with customers, leading technical conversations, reviews, and shaping architectural solutions.
- Familiarity with space environmental and radiation effects, and space-grade design practices.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active TS/SCI security clearance.
$218,000 - $266,000 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.
