RF/ Communication Systems Team Lead

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

RF/Communication Systems Team Lead

As the Team Lead for the RF/Communication Systems Engineering Team, you will play a critical role in building and leading a team of specialized engineers. You’ll support the team in pushing the boundary of what is possible in geo-synchronous spacecraft design, designing and validating next-generation communication systems.

Role

• Directly manage and develop a diverse team of RF, communications systems, and DSP engineers.

• Collaborate with a broad and multidisciplinary team to define the spacecraft communication payload requirements and architectures.

• Oversee the design, modeling, and implementation of the satellite communication systems, including link budgets and architectural trade studies.

• Manage a detailed schedule to ensure that our RF systems and communication payload development is in sync with the overall program schedule.

• Drive communication system design, including unit-level specification, component selection, signal processing algorithm design, verification, and hardware-in-the-loop debugging.

• Lead R&D efforts for new radio features, advanced technologies, and custom components to maintain a competitive edge.

• Support the production and mission operations teams on the build, test, and in-flight use of our communication hardware.

• Engage with commercial and US government teams to support sales and program capture activity and drive product roadmap

• Drive the growth of the team through recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-expanding organization.

Requirements

• B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering or a similar technical degree.

• 5+ years of professional experience with fast-paced product design cycles.

• 5+ years of experience in RF system architecture or communication hardware design from concept through production.

• A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design, test, and development.

• Demonstrated ability to design, build, and test complex RF/communication systems from scratch.

• Demonstrated ability to build and manage teams of engineers and communicate technical concepts clearly with other disciplines (Antenna, SDR, FPGA, Thermal).

• Strong fundamentals in signals and systems, digital communications, and hardware impairment modeling.

• US Citizenship or Green Card.

Bonus

• Satellite Expertise: Familiarity with satellite radio systems (ground and/or space segments) and waveforms (DVB-S2/x, DVB-RCS2).

• Advanced Signal Processing: Experience with multi-rate signal processing, DSSS modem design, or fixed-point implementation.

• Multi-Antenna Systems: Knowledge of beamforming, null-steering, and phased array architectures.

• Software Proficiency: Experience with Python-based test automation, Git, and GNU Radio.

• Security clearance or ability to obtain security clearance

What we offer:

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Salary

$175,000—$235,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.