Ground Systems Test Engineer

Craig Technologies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies in Houston is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to test satellite ground communications and support lunar and deep-space missions. You will define test environments, acquire or build equipment, and validate RF architectures and interfaces.

The role covers waveform testing, modulation, coding, synchronization, and RF system modeling, with collaboration across systems, software, avionics, and ground engineers to ensure successful integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in communications or related fields.
• Experience testing communication ground system requirements and interface definitions.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Test communication systems to support satellite ground stations for lunar orbit, deep-space, satellite, and other missions.
• Define ground and subsystem test environment requirements and identify/build/test equipment/software.
• Test RF communication architectures, interfaces, antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, and related hardware.
• Test communication waveforms, modulation, coding/FEC, and synchronization methods.
• Perform RF system modeling, simulation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct comms performance analyses (Eb/No, C/N, throughput, coverage, link margin) to validate issues.
• Ensure compliance with constraints, standards, and requirements.
• Collaborate with systems, software, avionics, GNC, payload, and ground engineers for integration.

Skills

Test systems

RF testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

STK

FreeFlyer

GMAT

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Req#: 4118

Responsibilities:

• Test communication systems to support satellite ground stations supporting satellites in lunar orbit, deep-space, satellite, and other mission applications.


• Define communication ground and subsystem test environment requirements and identify, purchase, and/or build test equipment/software.


• Test RF communication architectures, interfaces, and test activities including antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, multiplexers, and related hardware.


• Test 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 as needed to validate and troubleshoot potential issues


• Ensure communication ground systems 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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.


• 3+ years of experience in communications or related fields.


• Experience testing communication ground system 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/modems (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.

Note: This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.

***All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information. ***
Craig Technologies is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other non-job-related protected status. All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information.