Ground Systems Test Engineer
Summary
Tests RF communication systems for satellite ground stations supporting lunar, deep-space, and satellite missions — defining test environments, running link-performance analyses (Eb/No, C/N, link margin), and validating antennas, transceivers, SDRs, and related hardware. Requires a relevant engineering degree, 3+ years of communications experience, and US citizenship.
Responsibilities:
- Test communication systems to support satellite ground stations supporting satellites in lunar orbit, deep-space, satellite, and other mission applications.
- Define communication ground and subsystem test environment requirements and identify, purchase, and/or build test equipment/software.
- Test RF communication architectures, interfaces, and test activities including antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, multiplexers, and related hardware.
- Test communication waveforms, modulation schemes, coding/FEC techniques, and synchronization methods.
- Perform RF system modeling, simulation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
- Conduct communication performance analyses including Eb/No, carrier-to-noise ratio, throughput, coverage, access, and link margin assessments as needed to validate and troubleshoot potential issues
- Ensure communication ground systems comply with applicable constraints, standards, and requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems, software, avionics, GNC, payload, and ground systems engineers, to ensure successful communication system integration.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in communications or related fields.
- Experience testing communication ground system requirements and interface definitions.
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite communication systems.
- Experience with Software Defined Radios/modems (SDRs), optical, and/or RF communications systems
- Experience with communication analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or equivalent.
- Experience with test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
- Familiarity with government standards, CCSDS protocols, and spectrum management activities.
- Experience supporting communication subsystem integration, verification, environmental testing, and mission operations.
Craig Technologies is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other non-job-related protected status. All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information.