Sr. Systems Engineer, Space Communications at Cowboyspace — San Carlos, CA

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Space Communication Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and validate wireless communication systems for satellite platforms. This role covers the full communication link, from RF front-end and antenna design through modem architecture and ground station integration. You will work across S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF radio systems, performing link budget analysis and system-level performance evaluation to ensure robust, high-reliability communication links for space missions. The ideal candidate combines strong RF/wireless engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience integrating COTS hardware and validating end-to-end communication system performance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop wireless communication systems for satellite platforms, including RF subsystems operating in S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF frequency ranges
• Lead antenna design, simulation, and validation efforts to meet mission-specific coverage, gain, and pattern requirements
• Support ground station design, integration, and operational readiness for satellite communication links
• Perform link budget analysis and simulation to validate communication link performance across mission scenarios and operating conditions
• Select, architect, and integrate COTS modem hardware, including part selection, validation testing, and system integration
• Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration of the physical layer modem with other system components
• Perform detailed performance analysis of the designed communication system, including link budget analysis, throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
• Conduct RF and wireless system testing using lab-grade test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
• Develop and execute test plans and validation procedures for RF, antenna, and modem subsystems
• Troubleshoot and resolve communication link performance issues identified during integration, test, or field operations
• Document design decisions, analysis results, and test data, and present findings in design reviews
• Collaborate with systems engineering to define communication system requirements and trade studies
• Support FCC certification and regulatory compliance efforts for RF transmitters, including equipment authorization filings, spurious emissions testing, and coordination with test labs
• Ensure RF system designs comply with applicable FCC Part 25 (satellite) and other relevant domestic and international spectrum regulations
• Prepare technical documentation and test reports required for regulatory submissions and spectrum licensing applications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Wireless Communications, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of professional experience in wireless communication systems engineering, with a focus on satellite or space-based communication systems
• Hands-on experience with S-band, X-band, and UHF radio systems for satellite communication applications
• Demonstrated experience in antenna design, simulation, and validation testing
• Experience with ground station design, integration, and operations
• Strong background in link budget analysis and communication system simulation
• Experience selecting, architecting, and integrating COTS modem hardware, including component-level validation
• Proficiency with wireless/RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and BERTs
• Solid understanding of physical layer modem architecture and its interfaces to hardware and software systems
• Experience performing communication system performance analysis, including throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex RF/communication system issues
• Effective communicator able to collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
• Familiarity with FCC certification processes and regulatory compliance requirements for RF transmitting equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in RF/Wireless Communications, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant RF hardware design
• Familiarity with modulation and coding schemes used in satellite communication (e.g., QPSK, OQPSK, LDPC, Reed-Solomon)
• Experience with satellite communication standards and protocols (e.g., CCSDS)
• Background in phased array or steerable antenna systems
• Experience with RF simulation tools (Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent) and link budget/system simulation tools (STK, MATLAB/Simulink)
• Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms
• Experience supporting satellite mission operations or field deployment of ground station equipment
• Direct experience leading FCC equipment authorization filings (e.g., Part 15, Part 25) or working with FCC-accredited test labs
• Familiarity with international spectrum regulatory bodies (e.g., ITU, ETSI) for cross-border satellite communication licensing
• Publications or patents related to satellite communication system design

Technical Skills & Tools

• RF/EM simulation: Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent
• Link budget & system simulation: STK, MATLAB/Simulink, or equivalent
• Test & measurement: Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, BERTs
• Modem/physical layer architecture and COTS component integration
• Ground station RF and baseband equipment

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $182,000 - $243,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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