Wireless Communications Engineer

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

Job summary

Barrios Technology in Houston, TX seeks a Wireless Communications Engineer to join our NASA-focused team. You will design RF communication links for space programs, review CCSDS-based protocols, and perform link budgets using analytical and simulation tools to ensure mission success.

The ideal candidate holds a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, 10+ years of RF experience, and strong communication skills. U.S. citizenship is required; security investigations apply.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering from an accredited school, plus 10 years of experience.
• RF communications coursework such as digital communications, DSP, microwaves, satellite comms.
• Strong analytical skills in RF communications.
• Knowledge of digital modulation, demodulation, encoding/decoding, spread spectrum and data handling.
• Excellent communication and ability to work in a team environment.
• U.S. Citizenship or permanent resident and ability to undergo security investigations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as RF Communications Systems Engineer for ISS, Orion, Moon Base and Exploration programs.
• Review Link and network layer protocols based on CCSDS recommendations.
• Determine RF link performance and create link budgets using analyses and simulations.
• Participate in SRR, Preliminary & Critical Design Reviews and technical meetings.
• Perform RF interference analysis, Power Flux Density and spectral analyses using MATLAB/Simulink/Excel.
• Review IRD, VRs, ICDs and component-level requirements (transceivers, transponders, baseband).
• Assist NASA RF subsystem manager with reviews and meetings; act as technical POC.
• Represent JSC and interface with other NASA centers and partners.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

RF communications

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

C/C++

Python

Job description

Wireless Communications Engineer

Job Locations

US-TX-Houston

Overview

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Wireless Communications Engineer to join the team with Barrios, a teammate company!

Responsibilities

The Wireless Communications Engineer will:

• Serve as a RF Communications Systems Engineer for the Communication and Tracking Sub-System Analysis Team for ISS, Orion, Moon Base and Exploration Programs, a critical integration effort of the NASA Program which will return to the Moon
• Review Link and network layer protocols implemented on communication systems based on CCSDS recommendations
• Determine the performance of Radio Frequency (RF) communication links and create link budgets using analytical methods, analysis and simulations
• Actively participate and contribute to Systems Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary & Critical Design Reviews, and Technical Interchange Meetings
• Perform RF interference & compatibility analysis, Power Flux Density analysis, Spectral analysis for space-based communication systems using Matlab, Simulink and Excel
• Review Radio Frequency communication subsystem level Interface Requirements Documents (IRD), Verification Requirements (VRs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and component level requirements (Transponders, Transceivers, baseband processors)
• Assist and support NASA RF communication sub system manager with reviews, meetings and be the technical Point of Contact
• Represent JSC and interface with other NASA centers, federal agencies and commercial partners
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• BS or MS degree in in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering school, plus ten (10) years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Must have completed college level RF Communications coursework such as Digital communications, DSP, Microwave, satellite communications, Estimation and Detection theory, etc.
• Strong analytical skills in RF communications
• Strong knowledge of communication systems such as digital modulation, demodulation, encoding/decoding, spread spectrum signals, signal detection, data formatting and packetizing
• Excellent communication and organizational skills along with the ability to work in a team environment
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident (3 years) and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation

Preferences:

• Experience with Spectrum (frequency) management including NTIA spectrum approval process, review of spectrum requests, spectrum sharing and interference analysis
• Experience with NASA processes
• Knowledge in antennas, RF propagation and network layer protocols
• Familiar with CCSDS communication standards
• Knowledge of Pseudo noise (PN) Ranging, forward error correction such as LDPC, radiometric (range and range rate) calculations, Orbital Dynamics
• Programming languages such as C/C++ and Python

Essential Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Applicant selected may be subject to government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Work may involve sitting for extended periods.
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lb.
• Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary.
• Generally, an office environment but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.)
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical.
• Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required.
• Must be able to work in a team atmosphere.
• Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
• This position may require some commuting and traveling to other installations as needed.

Barrios Technology is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in several states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.

Barrios Technology is an Equal Employment Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.