RF Communications Engineer
Astrobotic Technology
Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 NASA, DoD, and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600 million.
We recently launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, Astrobotic developed and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets and continues to advance next-generation VTVL capabilities and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.
Astrobotic Technology is seeking a RF Communications Engineer to be an integral part of the communications subsystem for Astrobotic’s line of Lunar landers. You will be responsible for architecting and proving valuable input for the RF communications subsystem, maturing current design, assessing risk and reliability, and working with other subsystems to maintain system compatibility. The ideal candidate will have experience in analysis and design at both a system and component level. Other responsibilities include mission operations support, support for GNC analysis, and technical reporting and presenting.
Job Responsibilities:
- Developing spacecraft RF Comms systems through design, development, simulation, testing, verification and flight operations
- Applying full life-cycle systems development, including requirements development and traceability
- Supporting spacecraft design reviews such as PDR, CDR, TRR etc.
- Performing link budget analysis using tools such as AGI STK
- RF ground station compatibility and integration testing
- Use of RF Lab equipment such as Spectrum Analyzer, Vector Network Analyzer and Oscilloscopes
- Developing internal and external technical reports
- Performing RF coverage simulations using software such as HFSS
- Knowledge of satellite communications equipment including Tracking Telemetry and Control (TT&C) modems, antennas, HPAs/SSPAs, LNAs, transponders, filters, and diplexers
- Minimum 4 years of experience in spacecraft or aerospace comms systems development
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other similar degree
- 7+ years of relevant experience
- Must work in a close team environment communicating with other subsystems
- Strong communication, organization, and planning skills
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
- Knowledgeable of Range Safety and Ground Safety compliance
- Knowledge of space environmental tests (TVAC, EMI/EMC)
- M.S. in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering
The base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual base salary offered for this position will depend on numerous factors including individual performance, business objectives, and the candidates professional experience. Base salary is just one component of Astrobotic’s competitive total rewards strategy.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to contact@astrobotic.com.
