Ground Systems Software Engineer

Astro Digital; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading satellite solutions provider is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer to enhance the integration of ground stations into their operations. This hybrid role involves coordinating testing and managing key specifications critical to mission success. Ideal candidates will have a degree in engineering and experience in system design, complemented by strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit. The position offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 - $170,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience in engineering or technical aspects of system design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document key aspects of a design.

Responsibilities

• Be the point person for ground station compatibility testing.
• Compile up-to-date ground segment specifications for FCC applications.
• Learn all radios to at least a technician level.

Skills

RF components

Linux-based operating systems

Team collaboration

Technical documentation

Electrical schematics interpretation

Education

B.S. or M.S. in engineering

Tools

qRadio

Works Microwave

GnuRadio

Job description

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with roughly 75 employees and infrastructure around the globe.

Position Summary

As a Ground Systems Engineer, your primary role will be work directly with ground station providers, satellite operations, IT, and ground software teams,supporting development and integration of ground stations into Astro Digital's ground system to accomplish customer missions.

Ability to gather information from teammates, hold a well-formed mental picture of numerous (sometimes conflicting) requirements, and synthesize these inputs into an effective design is crucial.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn all ourradios toat least a technician level.
• Be a liaisonto and learn/documentthe technical details ofall our ground stations and their nuances
• providefirstline of defense for issues that occur (from minor to spacecraft operations halting).
• compile up to date ground segment specifications for the FCC applications
• maintain detailed specifications on the ground infrastructure to re-run link budget analysis on the new radios
• compile ground segment ICDs from different providers, communicate tosatelliteoperations and ground software team
• scope out the ground segment compatibility for the new radios that will be developed require to be compatible across providers
• Project management and ownership of work, including coordinating passes with Ops to do testing, bring up, and characterization.
• Be the point person forground stationcompatibility testing for missionsas needarises.
• Work withground station providers to operationally integrate new and existing radio developments,beingthe bridge betweenreal-worldRF deployments andGSWteam.
• Be communications security point of contact / responsible engineer.
• Leada futuremission’sstandaloneground infrastructure setup.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in engineering (aerospace, computer science, or computer engineering preferred)
• 4+ years experience in engineering or technical aspects of system design (space or ground)
• Dedication to carefully documenting all key aspects of a design
• Ability to read electrical schematics and RF block diagrams
• Familiarity with RF components
• Familiarity with commercially available ground modems for satellites (e.g. qRadio, Works Microwave, GnuRadio)
• Comfort using Linux-based operating systems
• Desire to define and solve problems independently, tempered with experience to know when to seek input
• Ability to listen carefully, decipher meaning, avoid preconceptions, ignore ego, and work with a team towards the best design possible within given constraints
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in collaborating with a first-rate, friendly team

Preferred Qualifications

• Ham radio operator and/or enthusiast.
• Experience designingRF systems from building blocks of RF components.
• Experience integrating ground station providers from link budget to operational data flow.

Work Location

Hybrid(San Jose, CA or Littleton, CO)

Range (based on experience of candidate): $120,000 - $170,000

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 Lbs. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.

Export Statement

This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.