RF Communications Engineer

Stellar Solutions; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellar Solutions, a trusted name in space systems, seeks an RF Communications Engineer in Denver to support spacecraft communications architectures and RF systems for advanced space vehicle programs.

You will develop link budgets, analyze TT&C and mission data links, and prepare technical documents while collaborating with suppliers and cross-disciplinary teams to ensure robust RF performance across missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• Experience with RF communications systems engineering, communications subsystem analysis, or spacecraft communications architectures.
• Experience performing communications link budget analysis.
• Understanding of narrowband TT&C and/or wideband mission communications systems.
• Experience developing technical documentation, engineering analyses, and system architecture diagrams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering disciplines and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Establish and review high-level RF communications architectures for narrowband TT&C uplink/downlink systems and wideband mission communications systems.
• Develop link budget methodologies identifying performance drivers, assumptions, and sensitivity parameters.
• Perform baseline link budget analyses for narrowband TT&C uplink/downlink and wideband data links.
• Develop diagrams and documentation supporting spacecraft RF architectures.
• Support supplier evaluation and component selection activities through review of specs and vendor engagements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address design considerations, risks and challenges.
• Prepare technical memoranda and engineering documentation for subsystem development.

Skills

RF communications systems

Link budget analysis

Systems architecture diagrams

Analytical problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or Physics

Job description

RF Communications Engineer

Job Locations: US-CO-Denver

Overview

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized "Great Place To Work", has exciting opportunities providing engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.

Stellar Solutions is seeking an RF Communications Engineer to support the development and analysis of spacecraft communications architectures and RF systems for advanced space vehicle applications. This role will focus on narrowband TT&C and wideband mission communications systems, supporting architecture development, link budget analysis, supplier evaluations, and technical documentation efforts across the communications subsystem lifecycle.

Role / Responsibilities / Qualifications

In this role, you will:

• Establish and review high-level RF communications architectures for narrowband TT&C uplink/downlink systems and wideband mission communications systems
• Develop communications link budget methodologies, including identification of key performance drivers, assumptions, and sensitivity parameters
• Perform baseline link budget analysis for narrowband TT&C uplink and downlink communications systems
• Perform baseline link budget analysis for wideband mission data downlink systems
• Develop functional block diagrams and supporting technical documentation for spacecraft RF communications architectures
• Support supplier and component selection activities through review of specifications, datasheets, technical discussions, and vendor engagements
• Support evaluation and selection activities for RF communications test systems
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to address communications subsystem design considerations, risks, and technical challenges
• Prepare technical memoranda, analysis packages, and engineering documentation supporting communications subsystem development

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline
• Experience with RF communications systems engineering, communications subsystem analysis, or spacecraft communications architectures
• Experience performing communications link budget analysis
• Understanding of narrowband TT&C and/or wideband mission communications systems
• Experience developing technical documentation, engineering analyses, and system architecture diagrams
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering disciplines and external suppliers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, or space vehicle communications systems
• Familiarity with RF subsystem component selection and vendor evaluations
• Experience with communications system modeling and analysis toolsUnderstanding of space mission operations and communications concepts
• Experience supporting integration, test, and verification activities for RF systems

Compensation

The typical salary pay range for this position is USD $110,000 - $170,000. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, participation in our profit sharing and retirement plan, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Deliverable(s)

This role offers the opportunity to support advanced spacecraft communications system development, helping define RF architectures and link performance for both TT&C and mission communications supporting next-generation space vehicle platforms.