Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer - RF & Communications

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer – RF & Communications

Westminster, Colorado | Hybrid – approximately three days onsite

Relocation assistance is granted for the right candidate

We are a mission-driven space technology company developing and operating advanced satellite systems for commercial and government customers.

We’re seeking a hands-on spacecraft systems engineer to serve as the team’s RF and communications subject-matter expert. You will personally own satellite communications analysis while helping make broader system-level decisions across spacecraft, payloads, ground systems and mission operations.

This is not a narrow radio, antenna or RF hardware-design position, and RF engineering will not be the role’s exclusive daily focus. We need someone with genuine satellite RF expertise who is excited to contribute across the wider mission and grow their ownership beyond traditional RF boundaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate customer objectives into mission requirements and executable system architectures.
• Personally develop, maintain and explain satellite RF link budgets, performance analyses, assumptions and margins.
• Lead trades across communications, spacecraft, payloads, antennas, ground systems, operations, cost, schedule and risk.
• Serve as the team’s RF and communications subject-matter expert.
• Define requirements and oversee the specification of radios, antennas, ground systems and related communications equipment.
• Contribute beyond RF across spacecraft systems, ground architecture, integration and mission operations.
• Support missions from early concept through integration, launch, commissioning and on-orbit operations.
• Communicate recommendations to customers, engineers, suppliers and program leaders.

Key Requirements

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics or a related technical discipline.
• Five or more years of relevant satellite communications, spacecraft systems or mission-engineering experience.
• Direct experience supporting satellite or spacecraft missions.
• Personal experience building and owning satellite RF link budgets—not solely reviewing analysis produced by another team.
• Ability to explain link assumptions, losses, margins and the system decisions influenced by the analysis.
• Experience translating mission objectives into requirements, architectures and technical trades.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in contributing across additional spacecraft or mission areas, such as power, thermal, GNC/ADCS, avionics, command and control, payloads, ground systems, integration or operations.
• Willingness to serve as the RF SME while working beyond a traditional RF-only scope.
• Strong technical communication, collaboration and hands-on ownership.
• Ability to work from the Westminster office approximately three days per week, typically Tuesday through Thursday. Relocation is supported

Preferred Qualifications

• Small-satellite, LEO or satellite-operator experience.
• Lead systems engineering, communications-subsystem, mission-architecture or chief-engineering experience.
• Experience across multiple mission phases, including integration, launch, commissioning or on-orbit operations.
• Experience with crosslinks, optical communications, secure communications, spectrum management or supplier selection.
• Active security clearance or advanced technical degree.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $128,000–$283,000, plus a 10% target annual incentive. The expected hiring point will depend on the candidate’s experience, qualifications and internal equity.

Benefits may include medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) matching with immediate vesting; flexible time off; paid parental leave; life and disability insurance; mental-health resources; education assistance; professional development; adoption reimbursement; and pet insurance.