RF Communication System Architect

CesiumAstro develops out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. The Communication Systems Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for defining complete, differentiated communication system solutions for customer missions and new business pursuits. The Architect serves as the primary technical owner of the solution, translating mission and customer needs into an end-to-end architecture spanning antennas, RF electronics, digital processing, communications algorithms, firmware, software, and system interfaces. The role leads technical solution development from early customer engagement through capture, proposal, contract definition, and transition to execution. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end technical solutions as the primary technical architect for customer pursuits; Define communication system architectures spanning antennas and apertures, RF front ends, frequency conversion, data conversion, digital processing, beamforming, modems and waveforms, firmware, software, networking, and external system interfaces; Lead from technical depth with system breadth across engineering domains; Translate mission needs into differentiated technical solutions by working with customers and Business Development; Lead architectural trades across performance, SWaP, cost, schedule, technical maturity, risk, scalability, product reuse, and Make/Buy alternatives; Shape product strategy by identifying leverage opportunities for existing products and where new development is required; Lead technical capture and proposals, including architecture, requirements, technical approach, trades, risks, and customer presentations; Establish the technical baseline, including system-level requirements, interfaces, performance allocations, verification approaches, and preliminary designs; Support program formation and contract definition with Product Development & Assurance and Program Management; Transition solutions into execution as the technical bridge from pursuit to engineering teams; Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams across RF, antenna, digital, FPGA, software, mechanical, systems, integration, and test disciplines; Represent the technical solution with customers, internal executives, and engineering teams

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline; 15+ years of experience developing complex communication systems, products, or payloads, with demonstrated progression into system architecture or technical leadership roles; Demonstrated deep technical expertise in at least one communications domain (communication theory, signal processing, waveforms, or modem design; RF and microwave systems and electronics; antennas, phased arrays, and beamforming; high-speed digital, FPGA, DSP, or digital communications architectures; embedded, networking, or communications software); Demonstrated experience architecting or technically leading multidisciplinary systems beyond the candidate's primary area of expertise; Experience translating customer or mission objectives into system architectures, technical requirements, and executable engineering solutions; Demonstrated experience leading customer-facing technical discussions, design reviews, proposals, or new-business pursuits; Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee or refugee, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Nice to have

Experience with space, airborne, defense, or other high-reliability communication systems; Experience with satellite communications, phased arrays, software-defined radios, digital beamforming, advanced waveforms, or integrated communication payloads; Experience taking architectures beyond concept development into detailed design, integration, verification, qualification, and deployment; Recognized depth in a technical specialty combined with the ability to operate as an end-to-end system architect and technical leader

Benefits

Company stock options (full-time employment offers); Generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans