New

RF/ Communication Systems Team Lead

San Francisco

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.

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