Sr. Systems Engineer, Space Communications

Cowboy Space Corp.•San Carlos, CA

2d•$182,000 - $243,000•Onsite

About The Position

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. The Role We are seeking an experienced Space Communication Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and validate wireless communication systems for satellite platforms. This role covers the full communication link, from RF front-end and antenna design through modem architecture and ground station integration. You will work across S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF radio systems, performing link budget analysis and system-level performance evaluation to ensure robust, high-reliability communication links for space missions. The ideal candidate combines strong RF/wireless engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience integrating COTS hardware and validating end-to-end communication system performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Wireless Communications, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
7+ years of professional experience in wireless communication systems engineering, with a focus on satellite or space-based communication systems
Hands-on experience with S-band, X-band, and UHF radio systems for satellite communication applications
Demonstrated experience in antenna design, simulation, and validation testing
Experience with ground station design, integration, and operations
Strong background in link budget analysis and communication system simulation
Experience selecting, architecting, and integrating COTS modem hardware, including component-level validation
Proficiency with wireless/RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and BERTs
Solid understanding of physical layer modem architecture and its interfaces to hardware and software systems
Experience performing communication system performance analysis, including throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex RF/communication system issues
Effective communicator able to collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
Familiarity with FCC certification processes and regulatory compliance requirements for RF transmitting equipment

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or Ph.D. in RF/Wireless Communications, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering
Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant RF hardware design
Familiarity with modulation and coding schemes used in satellite communication (e.g., QPSK, OQPSK, LDPC, Reed-Solomon)
Experience with satellite communication standards and protocols (e.g., CCSDS)
Background in phased array or steerable antenna systems
Experience with RF simulation tools (Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent) and link budget/system simulation tools (STK, MATLAB/Simulink)
Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms
Experience supporting satellite mission operations or field deployment of ground station equipment
Direct experience leading FCC equipment authorization filings (e.g., Part 15, Part 25) or working with FCC-accredited test labs
Familiarity with international spectrum regulatory bodies (e.g., ITU, ETSI) for cross-border satellite communication licensing
Publications or patents related to satellite communication system design

Responsibilities

Design and develop wireless communication systems for satellite platforms, including RF subsystems operating in S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF frequency ranges
Lead antenna design, simulation, and validation efforts to meet mission-specific coverage, gain, and pattern requirements
Support ground station design, integration, and operational readiness for satellite communication links
Perform link budget analysis and simulation to validate communication link performance across mission scenarios and operating conditions
Select, architect, and integrate COTS modem hardware, including part selection, validation testing, and system integration
Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration of the physical layer modem with other system components
Perform detailed performance analysis of the designed communication system, including link budget analysis, throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
Conduct RF and wireless system testing using lab-grade test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
Develop and execute test plans and validation procedures for RF, antenna, and modem subsystems
Troubleshoot and resolve communication link performance issues identified during integration, test, or field operations
Document design decisions, analysis results, and test data, and present findings in design reviews
Collaborate with systems engineering to define communication system requirements and trade studies
Support FCC certification and regulatory compliance efforts for RF transmitters, including equipment authorization filings, spurious emissions testing, and coordination with test labs
Ensure RF system designs comply with applicable FCC Part 25 (satellite) and other relevant domestic and international spectrum regulations
Prepare technical documentation and test reports required for regulatory submissions and spectrum licensing applications