Ground Systems Test Engineer

Craig Technologies • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ground Systems Test Engineer tests communication systems for satellite ground stations supporting satellites in lunar orbit, deep-space, satellite, and other mission applications. The role defines communication ground and subsystem test environment requirements and identifies, purchases, or builds the necessary test equipment and software. It involves testing RF communication architectures, interfaces, waveforms, modulation schemes, coding and forward error correction techniques, and synchronization methods; performing RF system modeling, simulation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting; and conducting communication performance analyses to validate and investigate potential issues. The engineer ensures ground communication systems comply with applicable constraints, standards, and requirements, and collaborates with cross-functional engineering teams to support successful integration. US citizenship is required. Selected candidates must undergo a security background investigation and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• At least 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.
• US citizenship is required.
• Must undergo a security background investigation and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Test communication systems for 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 and software.
• Test RF communication architectures, interfaces, and test activities involving 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.
• Conduct communication performance analyses, including Eb/No, carrier-to-noise ratio, throughput, coverage, access, and link margin assessments, to validate and troubleshoot potential issues.
• Ensure communication ground systems comply with applicable constraints, standards, and requirements.
• Collaborate with systems, software, avionics, GNC, payload, and ground systems engineers to support successful communication system integration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level