Space Communications Engineer

Craig-Technologies; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies in Merritt Island, FL, together with Houston, TX, seeks an experienced Space Communications / RF Engineer to architect, design, and verify RF subsystems for lunar and deep-space missions. The role emphasizes end-to-end link budgets, waveform development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure reliable spacecraft-ground links.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in EE/AE/Physics plus 5–10 years in communications engineering.
• Experience with spacecraft communication subsystem requirements and ICDs.
• Proficient with MATLAB/Simulink, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT or equivalent.
• Experience using RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes).

Responsibilities

• Design space communication architectures for lunar/deep-space missions.
• Define subsystem requirements and interface definitions across spacecraft, payload, ground systems.
• Develop RF subsystem configurations and test frameworks for antennas, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, multiplexers.
• Maintain link budgets and verify end-to-end performance under worst-case conditions.
• Define waveforms, modulation, FEC, and synchronization methods.
• Perform RF system modeling, simulations, and hardware integration testing.
• Analyze Eb/No, C/N, data throughput, and link margins.
• Ensure compliance with spectrum management and government standards.
• Collaborate with systems, software, avionics, GN&C, and ground stations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

STK/GMAT

FreeFlyer

VNAs/Spectrum Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Req#: 4086

Space Communications Engineer / RF Engineer

The vision at Craig Technologies is to make space accessible to everyone by increasing the viability of low-cost access to space. At Craig Technologies, our whole is greater than the sum of our parts. The Craig Technologies team is made up of highly talented individuals, each contributing their own experience, knowledge, skills, and ideas. It is our team that sets us apart from our competition and makes our mission of Bringing Space Down to Earth™ possible. At Craig Technologies we treat each day like it’s Day One. We operate with a sense of urgency; we are customer obsessed, always learning and constantly evolving. Join our team and be a part of something great!

Job Summary

Craig Technologies is seeking an experienced Space Communications / RF Engineer to join our team in Houston, TX and Merritt Island, FL. The candidate will be responsible for the architecture, design, analysis, and verification of complex RF communication subsystems designed to support satellite networks in lunar orbit, cislunar space, and deep-space applications. This role is critical to overcoming the extreme signal attenuation, atmospheric losses, and data routing constraints of multi-body space missions by ensuring highly stable links between spacecraft constellations and ground stations on Earth.

• Design space communication architectures to support satellite systems in lunar orbit, deep-space, and other high-reliability mission applications.
• Define comprehensive communication subsystem requirements and allocate requirements seamlessly across spacecraft, payload, and ground system interfaces.
• Develop RF communication subsystem configurations and test frameworks for hardware including directional/omni antennas, transceivers, Software Defined Radios (SDRs), LNAs, SSPAs, filters, and multiplexers.
• Develop, maintain, and execute communication link budgets to prove end-to-end mission performance requirements are achieved under worst-case orbital conditions.
• Define and implement advanced communication waveforms, modulation schemes, forward error correction (FEC) coding techniques, and synchronization methods.
• Perform RF system modeling, software simulation, hardware integration, component testing, and multi-element troubleshooting activities.
• Conduct critical communication performance analyses, including Eb/No, carrier-to-noise ratio, data throughput, orbital coverage, user access windows, and link margin assessments.
• Ensure all communication subsystem designs fully comply with applicable constraints, international spectrum management standards, and government requirements.
• Collaborate across multi-disciplinary engineering teams—including systems, flight software, avionics, GN&C, and ground stations to ensure successful communications integration and testing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills when handling complex RF signals and noise environments.
• Ability to work effectively and pivot dynamically in a fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven team environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the capability to present link margins and RF architecture designs to internal leads and commercial clients.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a highly related technical field plus 5-10 years of experience in communications engineering.
• 5-10 years of direct experience developing spacecraft communication subsystem requirements, hardware specifications, and interface definitions (ICDs).
• Experience with communication analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, STK (Systems Tool Kit), FreeFlyer, GMAT, or equivalent.
• Experience utilizing RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), signal generators, and high-speed oscilloscopes.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite communication systems, as well as optical (laser) communications or Software Defined Radios (SDRs), is highly desired.
• Familiarity with international government standards, CCSDS protocols, and spectrum management/licensing activities.
• Experience supporting communication subsystem integration, environmental testing (including EMI/EMC and TVAC verification), and active mission operations.
• All candidates selected will be subject to a background investigation and drug screen.
• To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing or walking on hard surfaces.
• Ability to travel <10% to support testing facilities or operations centers.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

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.