Radio Frequency (RF) Systems Engineer

Nanoracks is a cutting-edge aerospace company focusing on providing commercial access to space, currently on the International Space Station (ISS), suborbital vehicles, expendable launch vehicles, and more! We have sent over 1,000 payloads to the Space Station, kickstarted the CubeSat deployment revolution, and have customers in over 30 nations.

Since 2009, Nanoracks has created and expanded new in-space markets and has been the world leader for ushering in a new era of in-space services. Currently, Nanoracks is working to build commercial space stations (“Outposts”) from the spent upper stages of launch vehicles in orbit. This technology will enable spent upper stages to be used as crewed and un-crewed space stations for various purposes and customers—both civil and commercial.

Nanoracks will provide and facilitate an ecosystem of interoperable technologies and distributed free flying space stations. You can read our approach here.

We hope you’ll apply to join our team. We work with leaders from all over the world, including NASA, universities and government centers both foreign and domestic, and commercial companies. We’re fast, fun, passionate, and love sending things to space.

Smart, talented, critical thinkers with an ability to handle responsibility in a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. You will own your projects and be results oriented. Nanoracks is a small company (70+ awesome people), but we interface with much larger organizations from around the world.  You will need to be able to work in small and large groups as well as simultaneously execute an entire project on time.

Overview:

Nanoracks is looking for a self-starter to work with a talented and dynamic technical team on the design, test, integration, deployment, and operation of spaceflight hardware. The qualified candidate will play a vital role in the success of advanced orbital programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Determine the performance of Radio Frequency (RF) communication links by analyzing link budgets, modulation methods, antenna systems, and orbital mechanics though analytical methods or by simulation tools.
• Perform Radio Frequency interference & compatibility analysis, Power Flux Density analysis, and Spectral analysis for Space based communication systems.
• Perform analysis using software such as Matlab, Simulink and Excel.
• Review Link and network layer protocols implemented on communication systems based on CCSDS recommendations.
• Perform RF emissions measurements using a spectrum analyzer.
• Write &/or review Radio Frequency communication subsystem level Interface Requirements Documents (IRD), Verification Requirements (VRs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for spacecraft.
• Actively participate and contribute to Systems Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary & Critical Design Reviews, Component level reviews and Technical Interchange Meetings.
• Other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Must have a MS or a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering school.
• 5+ years’ experience in similar or industry related field.
• Must have completed RF Communications and antenna course work.
• Must have a broad knowledge of communication systems such as digital modulation, spread spectrum signals, signal detection, and forward error correction.
• Must have a broad knowledge of antenna analysis, Power flux density, and RF propagation.
• Knowledge of network layer protocols, and experience with STK or GMAT is a plus.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills along with the ability to work in a team environment.

EEO Statement:

It is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran stats, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, lay-off, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

Competitive with local and industry standard.