Principal Communication Systems Engineer I
CesiumAstro
We are looking to add a Principal Communication Systems Engineer I to our team in Munich Germany. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge phased array antennas and radios for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, experience in space technology, and the ability to be the technical point of contact for our communication programs. In this position, you will lead the development of space architecture concepts, sub-system design, payload design, requirements development, analysis and decomposition, high-level software and hardware system architecture design, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and risk assessment. You will coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams, raise issues at the program level, and drive complex programs to success.
The successful candidate will communicate effectively with team members and internal stakeholders, both verbally and through written content.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Evaluate customer and operational needs to define requirements, integrate technical parameters, and assure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.
- Represent CesiumAstro in customer meetings, design reviews, and technical discussions across Europe.
- Define and validate space system requirements and interfaces, ensuring end-to-end feasibility.
- Develop and direct technical concept development in support of proposals and demonstrations.
- Participate in developing system engineering processes for requirements management, flow-down, and traceability.
- Lead system-level trade studies, including antenna architecture design, modem design, performance analysis and system level integration.
- Coordinate with RF/Antenna, Electrical, and Software/FPGA engineers to ensure concept feasibility and compliance.
- Support proposal development, design reviews, and technical documentation.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- 6+ years of experience in system engineering for communications payloads, RF systems, or space/defense platforms.
- Very strong background in communication theory.
- Practical experience working with antenna systems (design, integration, or performance evaluation).
- Experience with and understanding of satellite-communications standards (e.g., NR NTN, DVB-S2x, CCSDS).
- Proven ability to capture and manage requirements across multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting to customers and leading design reviews.
- Fluent in English (German language skills a plus).
- Deep understanding of RF concepts, impairments, and their impacts on system performance.
WHAT WE OFFER
- The opportunity to help establish CesiumAstro’s first European office and grow our Munich team.
- High-impact role with direct exposure to leading EU space programs.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- A collaborative, innovative environment shaping the future of space communications.
