Ground Data Systems Engineer level 3 – In-Space Systems

We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, focused on addressing space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. You will report to the In-Space Systems, Ground Data Systems Lead.

About the role

As a Ground Data Systems Engineer 3, you will work closely with an accomplished team of Ground System, Software, Mission Systems, and Flight Operations Engineers. You will perform RF/Communications development, testing, and deployment tasks across space and ground boundaries through the full system lifecycle. You will own and maintain technical capabilities crucial to the space-to-ground operations of spacecraft with a range of concepts of operations. The ideal candidate brings creative ideas, persistence, and passion to build a program in a fast-paced dynamic environment, contributing innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Identify, derive, develop, and maintain Ground Data Systems requirements, including traceability and verification and validation approaches.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers representing flight vehicle systems, ground software, Integration & Test, and external vendors & ground station providers.
• Develop and refine the ground data system and communications architectures across a broad set of mission requirements.
• Define and maintain ground data system interface requirements and control documents, for example, Space Vehicle to Ground Network interfaces.
• Plan, perform, and document requirement verification and validation for Ground Data Systems.
• Plan and perform frequent Ground Data Systems product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to production software releases.
• Support initiatives to improve Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools.
• Perform analysis to ensure operability across the Space-Ground System, and support efforts to improve operability where justified.

Qualifications

• B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of technical experience developing Space-to-Ground Communications systems and their ground systems.
• 5+ years of technical experience in the Communications domain, spanning the complete OSI stack, including transport protocols and standards (including CCSDS), and application protocol definition.
• Experience developing communications link budgets to predict link closure and data rates.
• Proficiency with communication standards and protocols including modulation formats and channel coding (e.g., DVB-S2/X, Ka/S/X bands).
• Experience with ranging systems, i.e., CCSDS regenerative and transparent ranging, PN ranging codes.
• Experience with Type 1 encryption and other secure communication technologies.
• Experience with computer networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.).
• Proficiency in a scripting language, preferably Python.
• Ability to create and understand Satellite Tool Kit (STK) simulations with RF link analysis reports.
• Experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems.
• Experience with integrating with ground network providers.
• Experience with instrumentation and Hardware/Software based Ground Modems (i.e., Amergint, Kratos).
• Experience in a complex system lifecycle – requirement definition, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Ability to travel in support of test and flight operations.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive and professional relationships.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Desired Qualifications

• M.S. in a related technical field.
• Experience in space communication systems, particularly those geared towards Lunar, CisLunar or deep-space missions.
• Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners.
• First principles knowledge of major spacecraft subsystems including Avionics, TT&C and/or RF Communications.
• Experience with requirements management tools, preferably DOORS Next Generation.
• Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA, and version control like Git.
• Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill.

Pay

Base Pay Range for CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for additional benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.