RF Communications Engineer

Overview

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized “Great Place To Work”, has exciting opportunities providing engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.

Stellar Solutions is seeking an RF Communications Engineer to support the development and analysis of spacecraft communications architectures and RF systems for advanced space vehicle applications. This role will focus on narrowband TT&C and wideband mission communications systems, supporting architecture development, link budget analysis, supplier evaluations, and technical documentation efforts across the communications subsystem lifecycle.

Role/Responsibilities/Qualifications

In this role, you will:

• Establish and review high-level RF communications architectures for narrowband TT&C uplink/downlink systems and wideband mission communications systems
• Develop communications link budget methodologies, including identification of key performance drivers, assumptions, and sensitivity parameters
• Perform baseline link budget analysis for narrowband TT&C uplink and downlink communications systems
• Perform baseline link budget analysis for wideband mission data downlink systems
• Develop functional block diagrams and supporting technical documentation for spacecraft RF communications architectures
• Support supplier and component selection activities through review of specifications, datasheets, technical discussions, and vendor engagements
• Support evaluation and selection activities for RF communications test systems
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to address communications subsystem design considerations, risks, and technical challenges
• Prepare technical memoranda, analysis packages, and engineering documentation supporting communications subsystem development

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline
• Experience with RF communications systems engineering, communications subsystem analysis, or spacecraft communications architectures
• Experience performing communications link budget analysis
• Understanding of narrowband TT&C and/or wideband mission communications systems
• Experience developing technical documentation, engineering analyses, and system architecture diagrams
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering disciplines and external suppliers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, or space vehicle communications systems
• Familiarity with RF subsystem component selection and vendor evaluations
• Experience with communications system modeling and analysis tools
• Understanding of space mission operations and communications concepts
• Experience supporting integration, test, and verification activities for RF systems

Compensation

The typical salary pay range for this position is USD $110,000 - $170,000. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a comprehensive total rewards package that includes an annual performance bonus, an employer-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (PSP) contribution based on base compensation, and comprehensive employer-paid medical benefits, PTO pay-out options, along with additional company-sponsored benefits. All of these benefits represent an additional 30-40% to your base compensation for a total compensation package.

Deliverable(s)

This role offers the opportunity to support advanced spacecraft communications system development, helping define RF architectures and link performance for both TT&C and mission communications supporting next-generation space vehicle platforms.