Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting a Commercial Space contract. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of a Commercial Space project.
Relative Dynamics is seeking a Navigation Flight Software Engineer to support the lunar mission portfolio for a Commercial Space customer. This is a surge support role slated for a 1-year period of performance with the potential for extension. This is a hybrid role with regular on-site presence in either Houston, TX or Glen Burnie, MD. This role may be eligible for remote work based on customer approval.
What You'll Get to Do: - Design communication systems to support satellite systems in lunar orbit, deep-space, satellite, and other mission applications.
- Define communication subsystem requirements and allocate requirements across spacecraft, payload, and ground system interfaces.
- Develop RF communication subsystem architectures, interfaces, and test activities including antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, multiplexers, and related hardware.
- Develop and analyze communication link budgets to ensure mission performance requirements are met.
- Define and implement communication waveforms, modulation schemes, coding/FEC techniques, and synchronization methods.
- Perform RF system modeling, simulation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
- Conduct communication performance analyses including Eb/No, carrier-to-noise ratio, throughput, coverage, access, and link margin assessments.
- Ensure communication subsystem designs comply with applicable constraints, standards, and requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems, software, avionics, GNC, payload, and ground systems engineers, to ensure successful communication system integration.
What You'll Need: Required Skills & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- 5+ years minimum of experience in communications or related fields.
- Experience developing communication subsystem requirements and interface definitions.
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience - Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite communication systems.
- Experience with Software Defined Radios (SDRs), optical, and/or RF communications systems
- Experience with communication analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or equivalent.
- Experience with test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
- Familiarity with government standards, CCSDS protocols, and spectrum management activities.
- Experience supporting communication subsystem integration, verification, environmental testing, and mission operations.
Who You Are:- Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders
- Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards
- Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments
- Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects
- Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success
What You'll Enjoy:- Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact
- Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.
- Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities
