We are designing, building, and launching 8 new satellites in the next four years. They are BIG and super capable RF payload rideshare SmallSats. Our launches are already secured. Our in-house test facilities are built.If you want to own critical communications for these LEO communications satellites and then have the chance to iterate and improve your design at a rapidly growing tech company, this is your chance. We're looking for builders, problem-solvers, and system thinkers. As a Spacecraft Communication Systems Engineer, you will own the design, configuration, and operation of the satellite's space-to-ground communication links. You will define how the satellite communicates with the ground in both nominal and off-nominal conditions, ensuring reliable command, telemetry, and fault recovery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, expertise with both space-based communication payloads and ground terminals, and proven ability to coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Own the RF Link - Model, analyze and maintain the satellite's link budget, modulation and coding, ensuring reliable communications from space to ground for all RF links - Own End-to-End Encryption-Architect hardware-based crypto solutions for flight hardware, manage pass-throughs and end points for users and operations - Manage Ground Stations-Strong understanding of ground station and network operations with the ability to troubleshoot issues with commercial providers and on-site terminals - Develop Operational Concepts - Define how the radios are used in different mission phases, including contingency operations and emergency recovery - Integrate & Test - Own the RF link test campaign and work with flight software and ground teams to validate end-to-end communication link performance, from antenna to command center - Solve Hard Problems - Optimize low-SWaP communications, mitigate interference, and ensure robust, fail-safe links WHAT A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKE - You're an RF Systems Expert - You understand how to design, analyze, and operate spaceborne communication links. - You Think in Link Budgets - You can balance power, bandwidth, protocols and noise to ensure reliable space-to-ground connectivity. You can answer "what's the link budget" with thorough analysis, EbN0, EsN0, or effective data rate given a variety of conditions. - Extensive and practical experience with crypto-From COMSEC plan development, key management to system trouble shooting you have applied, on the ground experience. - You Understand Satellites - You know how comms fit into the broader mission, from flight software integration to ground operations - Independent self-starter - You are comfortable identifying problems and using your expertise to find solutions. - You Move Fast - You can prototype, test, and iterate quickly, focusing on what's needed to get a mission off the ground. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in electrical engineeringor a related field - A minimum of 9 years of experience with emphasis on satellite communications, RF system engineering, or related fields - Expertise in design, verification, and operation of satellite communication links - Strong understanding of link budget analysis, modulation schemes, and ground station interfaces - Hands-on experience configuring and testing ground station equipment and space-qualified radios and antennas - Practical understanding of how space links fail, why, and how to fix them before they break - Ability to define and implement communication system CONOPS for nominal and emergency operations - Experience with satellite communication link licensing and regulatory compliance (ITU/FCC) 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.