CesiumAstro

Digital Communications Architect

CesiumAstro$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 15+ years of experience in high-speed digital, DSP, and RF systems development.
  • Strong background in digital communications systems and RF architecture.
  • Expertise in satellite communications payload architecture and digital processing techniques.
  • Hands-on experience with PCB design and fabrication for high-speed digital and RF systems.
  • Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and providing technical oversight.
  • Expertise in defining technical requirements and strategic design decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead innovative digital communications product development from concept to deployment.
  • Provide technical leadership in proposal efforts and customer-facing documentation.
  • Collaborate with Business Development to align technical insights with customer needs.
  • Conduct feasibility studies to guide strategic program direction pre-contract.
  • Act as Pre-contract Chief Engineer to define Statements of Work and Requirements.
  • Evaluate technologies for make vs. buy decisions based on performance and cost.
  • Oversee technical transfers from R&D to full product execution with integrity.

Benefits

  • Company stock options.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Competitive retirement plan.
Full Job Description
We are looking for a highly skilled Digital Communications Architect with significant experience in high-speed digital, DSP, RF systems, and satellite communications. This role will be instrumental in driving new product concept development, providing technical leadership, and supporting our business development efforts including proposal responses. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of both the proposal and implementation phases of product development and a proven track record of successful leadership in complex systems and cross-functional teams.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the development of innovative digital communications products, from initial concept through to deployment, leveraging extensive knowledge of high-speed digital, DSP, and RF systems.
  • Provide technical leadership and support in proposal efforts, including the development of customer-facing technical documentation and presentations. Assist in shaping the direction of projects during the capture phase.
  • Collaborate with the Business Development team to support customer calls, offering expert technical insights that align our capabilities with customer needs and market opportunities.
  • Engage in feasibility studies and early-stage technical analysis, guiding the strategic direction of programs before formal contract awards.
  • Act as the Pre-contract Chief Engineer, assisting in defining Statements of Work (SOW) and Requirements (Reqs) for contract definitization. Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure clear and achievable technical specifications.
  • Evaluate key technologies and make vs. buy decisions, balancing cost, performance, and strategic business goals.
  • Lead the development of technical transfers from R&D into full product execution, ensuring seamless transitions and maintaining product integrity.


JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 15+ years of experience in developing high-speed digital, DSP, and RF systems for terrestrial and space applications. Extensive experience in system architecture, product implementation, and technical leadership.
  • Strong background in digital communications systems, RF architecture, FPGA design, and DSP algorithms.
  • Expertise in satellite communications payload architecture, including digital channelization and digital beamforming.
  • Deep understanding of radiation effects and radiation mitigation in commercial ICs.
  • Hands-on experience with PCB design, layout, and fabrication of high-speed digital/SERDES, RF, and hybrid stack-up boards.
  • Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams, mentoring engineers, and providing technical oversight to ensure successful project execution.
  • Proven experience in supporting technical proposals and customer presentations, especially in complex system-level solutions.
  • Expertise in systems architecture for both terrestrial and space-based systems, including defining technical requirements and making strategic design decisions.
  • A proven track record of making critical "make vs. buy" decisions, with an innovative approach to solving complex engineering problems.
  • Proficient with design and simulation tools for digital, RF, and DSP systems, including FPGA design and verification.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen. Active security clearance is required.


PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with digital beamforming arrays and high-performance signal processing systems.
  • Understanding of regulatory standards and requirements for satellite communication systems.
  • Experience with radiation testing and developing solutions for radiation-sensitive applications in space.


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.

About CesiumAstro

CesiumAstro is a technology company that provides advanced communications systems for satellite and space-based applications. The company's systems use advanced software-defined radio technology to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency communications for a variety of applications, including remote sensing, earth observation, and satellite communications. CesiumAstro's systems are designed to be highly modular and scalable, allowing them to be easily integrated into a wide range of satellite and space-based platforms. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Austin, Texas.
Learn more about CesiumAstro
Size
100 employees
Industry
Net Income
-$1 million
Founded
2017
5 Year Trend
+80%
Revenue
$5 million

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