Communication Systems Architect

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At Cesium Astro
, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross‑functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands‑on, interactive, and autonomous work, Cesium Astro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward‑thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking for an experienced and driven Communication Systems Architect to lead the definition and execution of advanced satellite communication systems. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and a broad understanding of the full space product lifecycle, from concept through deployment. As the technical point of contact to our customers and the engineering lead for internal execution, you will be critical to ensuring our products meet mission, technical, and business goals.

• Lead the definition of communications architectures including RF front ends, digital processing chains, beamforming arrays, channelize rs, and modems.
• Drive architectural decisions across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries.
• Provide end‑to‑end technical leadership across the full product lifecycle from requirements definition, design, and development to integration, test, qualification, and delivery of space‑qualified hardware.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact with customers. Translate mission needs into engineering requirements, lead technical reviews, and ensure alignment across program phases.
• Own technical execution for programs, guiding and coordinating engineering activities across electrical, RF, mechanical, firmware, and software domains.
• Partner with the business development team to shape technical solutions, write proposal content, and engage in customer capture activities.
• Define system‑level requirements and preliminary designs to support new opportunities. Assist with scoping SOWs and shaping architectures during early‑phase engagements.
• Lead architectural and component‑level trade studies to balance performance, cost, risk, and schedule.
• Provide leadership and guidance to engineering teams, ensuring technical integrity and execution excellence.

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 20+ years of experience developing advanced communications systems in satellite or aerospace.
• Broad understanding of full‑lifecycle space product development, including design, integration, qualification, and mission operations.
• Proven experience as a technical execution lead, responsible for driving system performance and engineering progress across disciplines.
• Deep background in digital communications, RF architecture, signal processing, and FPGA‑based systems.
• Hands‑on experience with SDRs, high‑speed digital systems, and RF designs.
• Experience with phased array antennas and digital beamforming.
• Understanding of satellite payload constraints including power, thermal, and volume budgets.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, STK, ADS, or equivalent.
• Comfortable working directly with customers, leading technical conversations, reviews, and shaping architectural solutions.
• Familiarity with space environmental and radiation effects, and space‑grade design practices.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active TS/SCI security clearance.

$228,000 - $279,000 a year

Cesium Astro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full‑time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

Cesium Astro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.