Principal Communication Systems Engineer I
CesiumAstro
Software Engineering
Austin, TX, USA
Posted on Apr 17, 2026
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We are seeking a Principal Communication Systems Engineer I to lead the architecture, integration, and verification of communication systems for satellite and aerospace platforms. This role represents a senior technical authority responsible for system-level design and execution across one or more programs.
You will own key architectural decisions, lead cross-functional integration efforts, and drive system performance from concept through validation. This role combines deep expertise in communication systems with broad systems engineering leadership across payload and mission elements.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and lead end-to-end communication system architecture across payload and spacecraft systems.
- Establish system requirements, interfaces, and performance budgets, ensuring traceability and alignment with mission needs.
- Lead link budget analysis, waveform selection, modem configuration, and data layer design.
- Contribute to CONOPS development and mission-level architecture definition.
- Define and lead integration and verification activities for communication systems.
- Architect and oversee RF & Communication test systems and Special Test Equipment (STE).
- Develop and execute system-level test plans and validation strategies.
- Debug complex system-level issues and drive resolution across teams.
- Evaluate mission needs and translate them into technical requirements and system designs.
- Lead trade studies and performance optimization efforts.
- Collaborate with Systems Engineering on requirements flow-down and traceability.
- Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver program milestones.
- Support proposal efforts and technical solution development.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams.
- Contribute to best practices and continuous improvement in system design and test.
- Guide lab usage and test infrastructure decisions.
System Architecture & Design
Integration, Verification, and Test
Systems Engineering & Program Execution
Technical Leadership
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 9+ years of experience in communication systems, preferably in space applications.
- Strong background in communication theory and RF systems.
- Experience with satellite communication standards (NR NTN, DVB-S2x, CCSDS).
- Proven experience designing and integrating complex communication systems.
- Experience with link budgets, RF analysis, and system performance modeling.
- Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment and test setups.
- Experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters Degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
- Experience with phased arrays, beamforming, or advanced antenna systems.
- Familiarity with FPGA or software-defined radio architectures.
- Experience with CONOPS and mission-level system design.
- Exposure to proposal development or customer interactions.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
