Ground Systems Test Engineer

Craig Technologies • Houston, TX

15h

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, and/or builds test equipment and software. It involves testing RF communication architectures, interfaces, hardware, 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 troubleshoot potential issues. The engineer ensures ground communication systems comply with applicable constraints, standards, and requirements and works with cross-functional engineering teams to support successful system integration. The position is located in Houston, Texas, and requires U.S. citizenship. 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.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Selected candidates must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and undergo a security background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite communication systems.
• Experience with Software Defined Radios/modems (SDRs), optical communications, and/or RF communications systems.
• Experience with communication analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or equivalent.
• Experience with 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 supporting satellite ground stations and 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 related hardware, including antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, and multiplexers.
• 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 systems 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