Principal Space RF Communications Architect

About the role

The role is part of the Blue National Security (BNS) business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space capabilities in support of our nation's most critical national security missions.

Responsibilities

• Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), crosslinks, and mission data links
• Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations
• Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs)
• Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance
• Engage with government customers, program offices, and external stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Advanced Capabilities organization
• Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for National Security Space pursuits
• Identify and assess emerging RF technologies, standards, and threat environments relevant to national security space communications
• Ensure compliance with applicable government standards, spectrum regulations, and security requirements (e.g., COMSEC, TRANSEC, ITAR)
• Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems
• Demonstrated experience designing and/or architecting TT&C, crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
• Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems
• Experience working on National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated government customers
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to both technical and executive audiences
• Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts
• An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Preferred: Active TS//SCI security clearance

Skills

• Experience with protected/anti-jam waveforms, low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications, or COMSEC/TRANSEC systems
• Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems, standards, and architectures (e.g., AEHF, WGS, SDA Transport Layer)
• Experience with optical/laser communications as a complement to RF architectures
• Knowledge of spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA regulatory processes
• Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for classified government programs
• Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities

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