Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect Verified today

The Role

As Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect within Blue National Security's Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as senior technical authority for end-to-end RF communications architectures supporting Mars and cislunar telecommunications and positioning/navigation/timing programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation deep space systems spanning telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C), proximity links, relay crosslinks, and Earth-to-deep-space mission data links.

What You'll Own

• Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar programs, including TT&C, proximity links, relay crosslinks, and mission data links spanning Earth-to-Mars and Earth-to-Moon distances
• Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses evaluating deep space frequency bands (S-, X-, Ka-band, and UHF), waveforms, link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, and high-gain antenna configurations
• Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets accounting for extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges of interplanetary communications
• Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents aligned with NASA LunaNet, Moon-to-Mars, and CCSDS interoperability standards
• Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility
• Coordinate with spacecraft design, mechanical, thermal, power systems, and flight software teams for seamless integration throughout the mission lifecycle
• Oversee integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distances
• Engage with government customers, program offices, commercial partners, and international stakeholders on requirements, architectures, and program direction
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers
• Support proposal development including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers
• Identify and assess emerging RF and optical communications technologies and evolving deep space standards (CCSDS Proximity-1, LunaNet Interoperability Specification)
• Lead technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols for interplanetary communications
• Ensure compliance with deep space spectrum regulations, ITU/NTIA frequency coordination requirements, NASA SCaN standards, and ITAR
• Partner with Mission Engineering and Architecture leadership on deep space communications alignment with broader mission strategies

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
• 12+ years experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or closely related disciplines, with proven track record in development, integration, and deployment of space-segment communications systems
• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and integrating TT&C, proximity link, relay crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
• Proven expertise in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation and coding techniques, and antenna system architecture for deep space or long-range applications
• Strong understanding of deep space link budget analysis accounting for extreme distances, planetary occultations, and solar interference
• Experience with high-gain antenna systems including design, pointing requirements, and performance optimization
• Experience with industry-standard RF communications design tools: Cadence AWR, Ansys HFSS and STK, MathWorks Simulink, and MATLAB
• Ability to flow down communication system requirements into RF component-level performance specifications for RFP development and procurement
• Experience on deep space, cislunar, or planetary exploration programs and familiarity with government and commercial customers
• Strong technical communication skills presenting complex architectures to technical and executive audiences
• Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts
• Must be U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• Experience in RF communications testing and in-orbit test (IOT) support including test procedures, system performance validation, and integration/launch/on-orbit verification
• Direct experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systems
• Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) interfaces, LunaNet Interoperability Specification, CCSDS Proximity-1 protocol, and Moon-to-Mars architecture standards
• Experience with hybrid RF and optical/laser communications architectures for deep space relay and high-data-rate mission links
• Knowledge of deep space spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA/SFCG regulatory processes for cislunar and Mars allocations
• Experience with Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocols and contact graph routing for intermittent deep space link environments
• Experience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missions
• Experience supporting competitive proposals for deep space exploration or government space programs
• Prior experience in architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities
• Active TS//SCI security clearance

Work Location and Travel

Preferred locations: Los Angeles CA, Denver CO, Space Coast FL, Reston VA, or Kent WA (Seattle area). Relocation assistance available. Up to 25% travel may be required.

Compensation

Base pay range varies by location. CA, WA, VA applicants: $169,624 to $237,473. CO applicants: $160,618 to $224,865. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, Education Support Program, stock options for regular employees (20+ hours/week), up to 4 weeks paid time off annually, and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Bonuses may be eligible based on role and performance at company discretion.