Wireless Communications Engineer

We are seeking a passionate Wireless Communications Engineer to join Barrios Technology’s team supporting NASA’s deep‑space exploration programs. In this role you will help design, analyze, and integrate RF communication systems for the International Space Station, Orion, Moon Base, and other exploration missions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an RF Communications Systems Engineer for the Communication and Tracking Sub‑System Analysis Team supporting ISS, Orion, Moon Base, and Exploration Programs.
• Review link‑layer and network‑layer protocols implemented on communication systems based on CCSDS recommendations.
• Determine the performance of RF communication links and create link budgets using analytical methods, analysis, and simulations.
• Actively participate in Systems Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary & Critical Design Reviews, and Technical Interchange Meetings.
• Perform RF interference & compatibility analysis, Power Flux Density analysis, and spectral analysis for space‑based communication systems using MATLAB, Simulink, and Excel.
• Review RF communication subsystem Interface Requirements Documents (IRD), Verification Requirements (VRs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and component‑level requirements (transponders, transceivers, baseband processors).
• Assist and support the NASA RF communication subsystem manager with reviews, meetings, and serve as the technical point of contact.
• Represent Johnson Space Center and interface with other NASA centers, federal agencies, and commercial partners.
• Other duties as required.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

• BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering school.
• At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in RF communications or a related field.
• Completed college‑level RF communications coursework (e.g., digital communications, DSP, microwave, satellite communications, estimation and detection theory).
• Strong analytical skills in RF communications.
• Deep knowledge of communication systems: digital modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, spread‑spectrum signals, signal detection, data formatting, and packetizing.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities; proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (minimum three years) and the ability to successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spectrum (frequency) management, including NTIA spectrum approval processes, spectrum request reviews, spectrum sharing, and interference analysis.
• Familiarity with NASA processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of antennas, RF propagation, and network‑layer protocols.
• Experience with CCSDS communication standards.
• Understanding of pseudo‑noise (PN) ranging, forward error correction (e.g., LDPC), radiometric calculations, and orbital dynamics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ and Python.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Office setting with standard equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.); may involve indoor or outdoor work depending on task requirements.
• Extended periods of sitting; occasional lifting and carrying of up to 25 lb.
• Mobility required to access test‑facility areas.
• Regular attendance is critical; ability to work outside normal schedules and adjust to peak periods or surge requirements.
• Team‑oriented atmosphere with expectations for professional behavior, appropriate grooming, and dress that does not pose a safety risk.
• Potential commuting and travel to other installations as needed.
• Position may be subject to government security investigation and eligibility requirements for access to classified information.