Space Optical Communications Engineer (RF/SDR)

Cowboy Space; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch in the office

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking an Electrical Engineer, Optical Communications to design advanced communication systems focused on high-speed optical communications and software-defined radio architectures.

The ideal candidate will develop RF and hybrid RF/optical communication subsystems, ensuring functionality under real-world conditions. This role includes designing PCBAs, developing communication pipelines, and collaborating with teams to integrate systems into flight hardware.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in RF systems, communications engineering, or related domain.
• Experience in designing PCBA’s for communication systems.
• Familiarity with link budgeting and system-level performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate communication PCBAs for airborne or space-based platforms.
• Architect and implement SDR-based communication pipelines.
• Develop high-speed optical communication links including link budgeting and alignment strategies.

Skills

Communication theory

RF systems

Optical communication

Software-defined radio

Hands-on RF lab equipment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

VNAs

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking an Electrical Engineer, Optical Communications to design advanced communication systems focused on high-speed optical communications and software-defined radio architectures.

The ideal candidate will develop RF and hybrid RF/optical communication subsystems, ensuring functionality under real-world conditions. This role includes designing PCBAs, developing communication pipelines, and collaborating with teams to integrate systems into flight hardware.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and a dynamic work environment.