Lead Space Communications Systems Test Engineer

Woven; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal Communication System Engineer II to lead test strategy for space communication systems, overseeing integration, verification, and validation from development to acceptance. You will manage hands-on lab bring-up, test execution, and performance characterization across RF hardware, antennas, FPGA firmware, and software while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires deep knowledge of RF concepts, satellite communication standards, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• 11+ years of experience in space communications with hands-on system integration, testing, verification, and validation.
• Strong background in communication theory and ability to relate measured behavior to modulation and link performance.
• Hands-on experience with RF and digital test equipment and understanding measurement uncertainty.
• Experience with test plans, verification matrices, and technical reporting including requirements management.
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for test automation and data analysis.
• Experience with FPGA-based systems and modern vector processing engines.
• Familiarity with satellite communication standards (NR NTN, DVB-S2X, CCSDS).
• Experience with classified systems, red/black architectures, and optical communication systems.
• Ability to obtain security clearance and communicate effectively in writing and speech.
• Ability to define work direction, track milestones, and work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead system integration and test across RF subsystems and end-to-end links.
• Develop verification and validation plans with traceability from requirements to results.
• Own hands-on system bring-up, troubleshooting, and performance characterization.
• Develop automated test capabilities and data-analysis tools for repeatable testing.
• Characterize RF chain performance and validate against link budgets and system models.
• Verify phased-array performance with conducted and OTA tests.
• Validate modem and data-layer operation under nominal and degraded conditions.
• Create representative test environments including hardware-in-the-loop.
• Lead failure analysis and corrective action verification through targeted testing.
• Coordinate environmental qualification and test readiness reviews.
• Drive testability and program execution with design teams and vendors.

Skills

RF testing

Systems engineering

Test automation

Python

C++

FPGA debugging

Satellite communications

Security clearance

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal analyzers

Signal generators

Network analyzers

Power meters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal Communication System Engineer II to lead test strategy for space communication systems, overseeing integration, verification, and validation from development to acceptance. You will manage hands-on lab bring-up, test execution, and performance characterization across RF hardware, antennas, FPGA firmware, and software while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires deep knowledge of RF concepts, satellite communication standards, and the