RF Architect - Satellite Systems

RedBeard Solutions; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

RedBeard Solutions seeks an experienced RF Architect for a mission-critical satellite communications program in Cary, NC. This role is customer-facing and leads multi-faceted system development, deployment, and evolution across the full lifecycle.

Responsibilities include defining architecture for payloads, ground stations, and user terminals; gathering requirements; and overseeing integration, testing, and software management. Onsite work is required; remote/hybrid are not available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline with 9 years of professional experience; or 7 years with a related Master's degree.
• Strong background in digital satellite communications and RF, including modulation techniques and DSP.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment and networking fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and define overall system architecture for satellite communications including payloads, ground stations, and user terminals.
• Gather, analyze, and document system requirements ensuring alignment with stakeholders and regulatory standards.
• Create detailed design specifications and architectural models for system interfaces and data flows.
• Oversee integration strategy for hardware, software, and network components.
• Plan, execute system-level tests, performance evaluations, and validation against requirements.
• Manage software development processes, including milestones for coding, debugging, and optimization.
• Develop project plans with milestones, schedules, and resource allocation; identify and mitigate risks.
• Coordinate with clients, government agencies, and vendors to ensure alignment with project goals.

Skills

RF engineering

Satellite communications

System architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Master's degree (related)

Tools

MATLAB

Keysight Vector Signal Analysis

Job description

We are seeking an RF Architect to join a mission-critical satellite communications program in Cary, NC. This is an extremely customer-facing role leading multi-faceted system development, deployment, and evolution across the full satellite communications lifecycle.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop and define overall system architecture for satellite communications, including payloads, ground stations, and user terminals
• Gather, analyze, and document system requirements, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs and regulatory standards
• Create detailed design specifications and architectural models, including system interfaces, data flows, and performance metrics

System Integration & Testing

• Develop and oversee integration strategy for combining hardware, software, and network components into a cohesive system
• Plan and execute integration and testing activities, including system-level tests, performance evaluations, and validation against requirements
• Work with the integration team to document, track, and resolve recurring issues and system failures during testing and operational phases

Software Development & Management

• Oversee development of software components, including real-time and embedded software for satellite communication
• Conduct trade-off studies on reuse of existing software components, including schedule impact for integration or middleware creation
• Manage software development processes, including tracking and milestones for coding, debugging, and performance optimization

Project Management

• Develop and manage project plans, including milestones, deliverables, schedules, and resource allocation
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system design, integration, and operation
• Monitor and control project resources for efficient team allocation

Stakeholder Coordination

• Communicate effectively with clients, government agencies, and vendors to ensure alignment with project goals
• Facilitate discussions and negotiations to resolve conflicts and meet stakeholder needs

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (or equivalent experience) with 9 years of professional experience; or 7 years of professional experience with a related Master's degree

Preferred:

• Strong background in digital satellite communications, including modulation techniques, error correction, and DSP
• Strong RF background including cascade analysis, system noise temperature, and G/T analysis
• Proficiency with RF test equipment (Vector Signal Generator, Vector Signal Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer)
• Hands-on experience with digitizers
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP and multicast networking fundamentals
• Knowledge of RF/signal network routing protocols
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Keysight Vector Signal Analysis software
• Knowledge of FORNSAT architecture and RF distribution

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT

Active TS/SCI security clearance with CI Full-Scope Polygraph is required. This position requires onsite work, including work in a SCIF; remote or hybrid arrangements are not available.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

Cary, NC (Maryland candidates also considered). Some travel required.