RF Communications Engineer

The Avionics Communications Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and integrating communications linking Mission Control, Payload, and Launch/Recovery subsystems. These subsystems are critical to mission success, spanning multiple teams and systems. This engineer works on a highly collaborative, multi-discipline team developing cutting-edge solutions for edge-of-space applications.

Responsibilities

1. Develop new platform capabilities by designing and integrating high-reliability RF communications solutions for human-rated stratospheric application.
2. Develop high data-rate communications solutions such as live stream video by line of sight or satellite communications.
3. Collaborate on a cross-functional team to capture requirements and interface specifications
4. Consider full life cycle development including use case scenarios.
5. Develop test solutions, methodology, and fixturing.
6. Work with stakeholders to ensure cross-system concerns are identified and addressed.
7. Lead design reviews and incorporate feedback.
8. Participate in design reviews for other systems.
9. Rigorous test & integration of avionics with all interfacing systems or subsystems.

Basic Qualifications

1. 4-year degree from an ABET accredited college or university in an Electrical, Computer or Aerospace Engineering discipline (master’s preferred) or equivalent experience.
2. A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience designing and testing aviation or space-related communication systems.
3. Excellent technical communication skills.
4. Experience designing and testing mission-critical systems.
5. Prior experience with communications systems design.
6. Hands-on lab experience troubleshooting and testing communications system designs.
7. Experience with data acquisition tools, hardware, and software for lab and mission logging.
8. Experience creating and owning Interface Control Documents.
9. Experience writing scripts or using simulation tools to model and rapidly iterate designs.
10. Experience with FCC licensing.
11. Experience conducting radio surveys.
12. Experience troubleshooting RF systems.
13. Experience with RF system cabling.
14. A ham radio license is desirable.

Preferred Skills and Experience

1. Hands-on project experience, preferably as a team or sub-system team lead
2. 4+ years of professional experience in RF system design and analysis.
3. 2+ years of hands-on project experience with RF systems, preferably as a lead.
4. Demonstrated understanding of analysis and failure modes of RF systems.
5. Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.
6. Exceptional written and verbal communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and organizational skills

Additional Requirements

1. Ability to travel as needed
2. Ability to pass NASA background checks for Cape Canaveral
3. Ability to pass a drug test
4. Ability to get a merchant mariner certification
5. ITAR and NASA BADGING REQUIREMENTS: