Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (RF Comms)

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking an experienced and technically driven Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (RF Communications) to lead RF communications subsystem development for next-generation Ranger spacecraft. In this role, you will drive RF communications architecture, subsystem requirements, interface definition, hardware integration, and end-to-end communications system development across complex spacecraft programs.

You Will Make an Impact

• Lead RF communications subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from architecture definition through integration, qualification, and flight readiness
• Derive RF communications subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements while maintaining complete requirements traceability throughout development
• Define and manage RF subsystem electrical and operational interfaces across avionics, payload, GNC, power, and flight software systems
• Author and maintain RF communications Interface Control Documents (ICDs) while supporting spacecraft-level Electrical Interface Control Document (EICD) coordination
• Resolve complex RF integration challenges involving signal integrity, interface compatibility, EMI/EMC, redundancy, and operational performance
• Lead communications architecture trade studies involving radios, amplifiers, antennas, RF routing, frequency planning, and link performance optimization
• Perform make-versus-buy trade studies supporting RF hardware architecture, component selection, and procurement strategies
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure communications architectures support mission reliability, manufacturability, operational flexibility, and long-duration mission objectives
• Participate in major engineering reviews including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen RF communications architecture, integration processes, and technical standards

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 7+ years of experience developing spacecraft RF communications subsystems or other complex aerospace communications systems
• Experience deriving spacecraft communications subsystem requirements and defining multidisciplinary electrical and operational interfaces
• Strong understanding of spacecraft RF communications architectures and subsystem integration
• Experience authoring subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and coordinating interfaces across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong understanding of RF engineering principles including link budgets, signal integrity, RF routing, antenna systems, frequency planning, and communications performance analysis
• Experience supporting RF hardware integration, debugging, testing, and anomaly resolution
• Experience coordinating hardware vendors and component suppliers supporting communications subsystem development
• Proficiency with RF laboratory equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), signal generators, and RF measurement techniques
• Strong systems-level understanding across spacecraft avionics, payload, power, software, and operational interfaces
• Excellent analytical, technical communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment with high ownership and execution expectations

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience working across multiple spacecraft subsystems including avionics, payloads, propulsion, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and electrical power systems
• Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T), including subsystem- and vehicle-level environmental qualification
• Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations following launch and deployment
• Experience using industry-standard ECAD tools including Cadence, Altium Designer, or equivalent
• Experience supporting reliability engineering, radiation effects analysis, EMI/EMC compliance, and fault-tolerant spacecraft communications design
• Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security and defense-related spacecraft communications programs

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead the development of mission-critical spacecraft communications architectures supporting advanced Ranger missions
• Innovation – Drive next-generation RF communications technologies enabling high-mobility spacecraft operations
• Impact – Deliver reliable, flight-ready communications systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Growth – Operate at the center of spacecraft development while influencing vehicle-level communications architecture, integration, and mission execution
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA or Denver, CO

Base Salary

$125,000–$175,000

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply Now

Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.