Digital Communications Architect

CesiumAstro; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 218,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Digital Communications Architect with deep experience in high‑speed digital, DSP, RF systems, and satellite communications. This leader will drive new product concepts, provide technical direction for proposals, and support business development with customer‑facing technical documentation and presentations.

You will define SOWs and requirements, evaluate make‑vs‑buy decisions, and guide transitions from R&D to production while mentoring engineers and coordinating

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 for terrestrial and space applications.
• Expertise in satellite payload architecture, radiation effects, and space-grade architectures.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with active security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of digital communications products from concept through deployment.
• Provide technical leadership for proposals and customer-facing documentation.
• Define SOWs and Requirements for contract definitization and support capture activities.
• Evaluate key technologies and make vs. buy decisions; guide transitions from R&D to production.

Skills

High-speed DSP

RF systems

Satellite communications

FPGA design

System architecture

Make vs buy decisions

Leadership

Proposal support

Cross-functional teams

Technical oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

PCB design tools

Job description

_ Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

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.

$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.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.