Sr. Space-Based Comms Systems Engineer

Job Description

Requirements
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### Must have:

### - We require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain, or current possession of, a U.S. Government TS/SCI security clearance. - We look for a bachelors or masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field. - We require 5 years of aerospace industry experience, including at least 2 years developing, integrating, or supporting spacecraft optical communications systems. - We expect a strong grasp of spacecraft optical communications fundamentals, including link acquisition and tracking, PAT systems, optical link budget development, data-rate and bandwidth calculations, distance-related losses, and end-to-end communications architecture. - We value experience leading technical trade studies and hardware down-selection efforts. - We require experience with optical communications AI\&T campaigns and with transitioning systems into full operations. - We expect experience creating and maintaining system-level performance analyses and link budgets. - We need demonstrated ability to assess vendor technologies and manage technical relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. - We require experience overseeing hardware development, manufacturing, testing, and qualification activities. - We expect experience setting up and running tests, as well as analyzing data-chain testbeds that use optical terminals. - We look for a strong systems engineering mindset and the ability to understand subsystem interactions and mission-level implications. - We require excellent communication skills and proven collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams. - We expect the ability to work independently and drive technically complex initiatives with limited oversight. - Preferred experience includes supporting optical communications for commercial, civil, and national security missions. - Preferred experience includes integrating optical terminals into spacecraft avionics and communications architectures. - Preferred experience includes designing spacecraft RF cross-links. - Preferred experience includes ground station integration and end-to-end communications network analysis. - Preferred experience includes supporting design reviews, requirements verification, and mission readiness activities. - Preferred knowledge includes emerging optical communications standards, architectures, and industry trends. - An active U.S. Government security clearance is a plus.

Responsibilities:
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- We lead the evaluation, selection, and integration of spacecraft optical communications systems for mission-critical space programs. - We develop and maintain optical communications trade studies, requirements analyses, and hardware down-selection efforts. - We build and maintain detailed optical link budgets covering acquisition, tracking, pointing, atmospheric effects, range-dependent losses, and performance margins. - We analyze end-to-end communications performance and recommend architecture improvements across spacecraft, ground, and network segments. - We assess optical terminal capabilities, data rates, acquisition strategies, modulation methods, and operational concepts to support mission success. - We serve as the primary technical interface with optical communications vendors, reviewing product offerings and ensuring alignment with program needs. - We guide vendor engagements through the product lifecycle, including technical reviews, design assessments, manufacturing oversight, and delivery planning. - We collaborate with optical communications and RF cross-link service providers to evaluate the fit of their solutions. - We monitor supplier manufacturing, integration, testing, and qualification activities to meet schedule, quality, and technical goals. - We work closely with spacecraft, avionics, communications, mission operations, payload, and systems engineering teams to create optimized end-to-end solutions. - We identify technical risks, performance constraints, and integration challenges, then develop mitigation strategies. - We support system architecture development and recommend upstream and downstream subsystem impacts. - We contribute as subject matter experts in customer discussions, technical reviews, and proposal efforts.
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Company:
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We are Vantor, a company forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence to help decision makers and operators understand what is happening now and prepare for what comes next. Our SpaceWrx team develops advanced space systems that enable resilient, high-performance communications architectures for next-generation commercial, civil, and national security missions. We offer strong professional development and continuing education support, the chance to shape your own career path, and the opportunity to own mission-critical components within a transformational architecture designed to keep Vantor a GeoInt leader for the next 15 years. We provide a competitive total rewards package that includes a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement, pet insurance, and additional incentive eligibility. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace, and the role is subject to U.S. person and export control requirements.
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