CesiumAstro · 22 hours ago
Principal Spacecraft Communication Systems Engineer I
Westminster, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$142K/yr - $190K/yr
9+ years expCesiumAstro is a developer and pioneer of innovative communication systems for satellites and airborne platforms. They are seeking a Principal Spacecraft Communication Systems Engineer I to design, configure, and operate satellite communication systems, ensuring reliable operations in various conditions. The role involves coordinating across engineering teams and managing complex communication challenges.
AerospaceDronesSatellite CommunicationSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Own the RF Link – Model, analyze and maintain the satellite’s link budget, modulation and coding, ensuring reliable communications from space to ground for all RF links
Own End-to-End Encryption—Architect hardware-based crypto solutions for flight hardware, manage pass-throughs and end points for users and operations
Manage Ground Stations—Strong understanding of ground station and network operations with the ability to troubleshoot issues with commercial providers and on-site terminals
Develop Operational Concepts – Define how the radios are used in different mission phases, including contingency operations and emergency recovery
Integrate & Test – Own the RF link test campaign and work with flight software and ground teams to validate end-to-end communication link performance, from antenna to command center
Solve Hard Problems – Optimize low-SWaP communications, mitigate interference, and ensure robust, fail-safe links
Qualification
Required
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
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field
A minimum of 9 years of experience with emphasis on satellite communications, RF system engineering, or related fields
Expertise in design, verification, and operation of satellite communication links
Strong understanding of link budget analysis, modulation schemes, and ground station interfaces
Hands-on experience configuring and testing ground station equipment and space-qualified radios and antennas
Practical understanding of how space links fail, why, and how to fix them before they break
Ability to define and implement communication system CONOPS for nominal and emergency operations
Experience with satellite communication link licensing and regulatory compliance (ITU/FCC)
Preferred
Experience with software-defined radios (SDRs), CCSDS protocols, or regulatory compliance (ITU/FCC)
Benefits
Company stock options
Health
Dental
Vision
HSA
FSA
Life
Disability
Retirement plans
Company
CesiumAstro
CesiumAstro provides out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space or airborne platforms.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$655.24MKey Investors
Trousdale VenturesExport-Import Bank of the United StatesAirbus Ventures,Forever Ventures
2026-02-02Series C· $270M
2026-01-15Debt Financing· $200M
2024-06-18Series B· $65M
Recent News
2026-02-05
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2026-02-04
2026-02-03
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