Principal Space RF Communications Architect

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