Communication Test Engineer

Please Note: 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.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are building, iterating, and getting to space—fast. Our team thrives on action. We leverage deep experience in the space industry with engineering reimagined for speed and agility. We design, test, and deploy real systems that fly. If you want to own critical communications for a satellite mission, keep reading.

We’re looking for builders, problem-solvers, and system thinkers. We are seeking a Senior Communication Test Engineer II to lead the end-to-end integration and verification of communication functions for our communication payload products. This highly technical role combines deep domain expertise in communication systems with hands-on integration and test execution and technical leadership responsibilities.

You will play a critical role in the architecture definition, execution, and delivery of our communication payload products leading requirement definitions, contributing to algorithm development, driving Special Test Equipment (STE) design, and owning verification and final sell-off. You will operate with a high degree of autonomy and provide technical leadership across integration and verification activities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development of Cesium Astro’s Communication System and Subsystems Integration and Tests and validate space systems requirements and interfaces.
• Collaborate with System Engineering processes for requirements management, flow down, and traceability. 
• Lead selection and definition modem configuration
• Lead selection and definition of data layer configuration
• Own lab and equipment strategy, including management and optimization, and guiding key equipment purchase decisions.  
• Architect and Develop Communication test systems and collaborate with System Engineering developing test plans, and implementation of test plans and procedures.
• Lead execution of verification/validation tests, ensuring completeness, quality, and traceability of results; present findings to key stakeholders.
• Work closely with design teams to verify and evaluate system level performance.
• Independently draw conclusions from test results, debug complex system-level issues, and provide actionable feedback to design and verification teams.
• Adapt and optimize test plans based on evolving hardware/software capabilities and test infrastructure constraints.
• Design and oversee time-synchronized test setups using signal generators and spectrum analyzers to validate timing budgets.
• Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment and take ownership of critical test systems for leading-edge satellite communication systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers; establish best practices for integration and verification
• Drive continuous improvement in test methodologies, automation, and lab infrastructure

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree (MS) or higher degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline from an accredited university or institution, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5-7 years relevant job experience
• Very strong background in Communication theory.
• Experience with and understanding of satellite-communications standards (NR NTN, DVB-S2x, CCSDS).   
• Hands-on experience with lab instruments such as digital oscilloscopes, multimeters, source measurement units, RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), and vector signal analyzers
• Hands-on experience in developing hardware and measurement abstraction layers, and test automation setups using basic scripting and SW development with common programming/scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Good understanding of RF and mixed-signal hardware (e.g. amplifiers, filters, ADCs/DACs, antennas) and its impact on system performance and test design
• Proficient in performing measurements and data analysis including S-parameters, AM/PM, compression, noise figure, harmonics/spurious emission, phase noise, switching speed, bit error rate, adjacent channel power, linearity, EVM and group delay
• Hands-on experience with designing test setups and working in anechoic chambers for antenna systems evaluation
• Proven experience designing and leading complex test setups and integration efforts
• Experience independently debugging complex system-level issues and driving resolution across teams

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of satellite and wireless communication systems and protocols
• Experience in wireless synchronization and parameter sensing techniques
• Familiarity with phased array antenna architectures and array calibration
• Prior experience in technical leadership, mentorship, or leading small engineering teams CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.   CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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