Satellite RF Systems Engineer

About the Role

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions supports critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Support mission, system, and operational concept development for satellite missions, encompassing space, ground, and operational aspects.
• Function as a technical SME in the RF/Communication group, mentoring junior-level RF engineers.
• Work with internal and external customers and suppliers to develop and define RF subsystem (space and ground) requirements.
• Support all phases of customer programmatic reviews, including System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, and Pre-Ship Review.
• Oversee and perform the detailed design, development, analysis, production, and test of satellite RF subsystems for both product development and flight program execution, including custom RF subsystem design and build.
• Actively participate in system-level design of satellite systems across all project phases, through subsystem architectural design and hardware development.
• Apply system engineering principles to the selection of RF subsystems as part of satellite concept and design development.
• Perform testing and fault diagnosis of equipment, subsystems, and systems, including record-keeping and generation of documentation, test plans, procedures, and results.
• Ensure an accurate and up-to-date document set for RF products.
• Apply technical knowledge to analyze, investigate, and resolve engineering problems.
• Prepare technical responses to bids, presentation materials, and reports for various applications and customers.
• Support and actively participate in customer and supplier meetings and presentations at all project stages.
• Liaise with customer and supplier staff, as well as staff from other parts of GA.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, along with progressive engineering experience as follows: six or more years with a bachelor’s degree, four or more years with a master’s degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.

Skills

• Knowledge of writing RF/Communication Control Plans, Test Procedures, Test Plans, and Test Reports.
• Previous experience handling and testing satellite flight hardware, including demonstrated ability to test and troubleshoot electronic systems.
• Understanding of small satellite design and practices (desired).
• Familiarity with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations for satellite systems (space and ground).
• Knowledge of S-band, X-band, and Ka-band systems and designs (essential); other bands (highly desirable).
• Knowledge of EMC/EMI analysis and design considerations.
• Familiarity with all aspects of the satellite system life cycle, including spacecraft-level environmental testing, launch, and operations.
• Understanding of clean room compliance and safe working practices.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately, and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Customer-focused with the ability to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment, including working extended hours and traveling as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI clearance (required).

Pay

Salary range: $98,100 – $171,398

Schedule

Full-Time