Spectrum Engineer II

CesiumAstro•Washington, DC

1d•$124,000 - $149,000

About The Position

The Spectrum Engineer II supports the design, development, integration, and testing of communications systems, including satellite spectrum coordination and regulatory compliance. The role performs communications system analyses, evaluates system performance and interference considerations, and prepares technical documentation for system development and licensing requirements. Using established engineering methods and regulatory guidelines, the engineer resolves routine technical challenges and supports compliance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements. Working cross-functionally with systems, software, RF, electrical, mechanical, integration and test, quality, regulatory, and program teams, the role contributes to communications systems engineering from concept development through integration, verification, and production, as well as satellite licensing, regulatory filings, and spectrum coordination.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, computer engineering, or a related engineering field with 2–5 years of related experience; or a master's degree with 0–3 years of related experience in communications systems engineering, system architecture, RF systems, systems integration, or a related engineering discipline.
Working knowledge of communications systems, systems engineering principles, system architecture, requirements development, and interface management.
Experience with systems modeling, link analysis, performance evaluation, simulation tools, and engineering analysis methods.
Understanding of digital communications, RF fundamentals, networking concepts, signal processing, interface development, and system integration.
Knowledge of satellite spectrum engineering, ITU and FCC regulatory requirements, spectrum-sharing principles, satellite network coordination, and licensing processes.
Experience with satellite interference analysis, EPFD/PFD modeling, link budgets, NGSO/GSO coexistence considerations, and preparation of technical documentation supporting regulatory filings.
Knowledge of systems engineering processes, verification methodologies, engineering documentation, technical standards, and requirements management.
Familiarity with modeling and simulation, product development, configuration management, and multidisciplinary engineering collaboration.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Experience with engineering analysis and modeling tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, STK, Python, or equivalent applications.
Experience with engineering documentation, requirements management, and collaboration tools such as DOORS, Jira, Confluence, or equivalent applications.
Experience with satellite interference analysis, spectrum coordination, and regulatory filing applications such as Visualyse, FCC filing systems, ITU filing software and databases, or equivalent applications.
Must meet U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, or refugee (protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities

Perform satellite interference, equivalent power flux-density (EPFD), power flux-density (PFD), and link budget analyses to assess spectrum-sharing compatibility and regulatory compliance, including for NGSO systems.
Prepare technical analyses, system parameters, and supporting documentation for ITU filings, FCC applications, international market-access requests, and earth-station licensing activities, including Schedule S and license modifications.
Support satellite network coordination and regulatory proceedings by preparing interference studies, technical correspondence, and briefing materials, and participate in external engagements under the Director's guidance.
Assist with designing and developing communications system architectures, interfaces, subsystems, and performance models.
Perform system modeling, link analysis, performance evaluation, trade studies, simulation, and system integration activities.
Review system requirements, interface specifications, architecture documentation, analytical results, and technical documentation supporting system implementation.
Perform verification, validation, testing, simulation, integration, and troubleshooting activities.
Analyze simulation results, system performance data, test results, and engineering observations to identify trends and recommend solutions.
Support root cause investigations, engineering changes, system improvements, defect resolution, and corrective actions.
Collaborate with systems, software, RF, electrical, mechanical, integration and test, quality, and program teams throughout product development.
Prepare technical documentation, interface control documentation, verification reports, engineering reports, and engineering change documentation.
Participate in design reviews, technical investigations, customer support activities, system integration, and verification activities.
Review communications systems engineering methods, modeling practices, requirements management processes, and development activities to identify improvement opportunities.
Apply engineering standards, company procedures, customer requirements, and systems engineering best practices throughout the product lifecycle.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen system performance, requirements quality, modeling accuracy, and engineering effectiveness.