Space RF Systems Engineer — Satellite Comm & Link Design

Craig-Technologies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies in Houston, TX—Space Communications RF Engineer role focused on architecture, design, and verification of RF subsystems for satellite networks in lunar orbit and deep-space. Opportunity to work across multidisciplinary teams to ensure highly stable links between spacecraft and ground stations, with emphasis on mission reliability and adherence to international spectrum standards.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 across spacecraft, payload, and ground interfaces.
• Develop RF configurations and test frameworks for antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, and multiplexers.
• Maintain and execute communication link budgets to prove end-to-end mission performance under worst-case conditions.
• Define and implement advanced communication waveforms, modulation schemes, FEC coding, and synchronization methods.
• Perform RF system modeling, software simulation, hardware integration, and testing.
• Conduct link margin analyses including Eb/No, carrier-to-noise ratio, data throughput, and coverage assessments.
• Ensure designs comply with spectrum management standards and government requirements.
• Collaborate with systems, flight software, avionics, GN&C, and ground stations for integration and testing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

STK

GMAT

FreeFlyer

Job description

Craig Technologies in Houston, TX—Space Communications RF Engineer role focused on architecture, design, and verification of RF subsystems for satellite networks in lunar orbit and deep-space. Opportunity to work across multidisciplinary teams to ensure highly stable links between spacecraft and ground stations, with emphasis on mission reliability and adherence to international spectrum standards.