RF & Communication Mission System Engineer

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

You will begin by getting familiar with the VIPER rover onboard communication system and understand all the parameters for establishing and maintaining reliable communications through the mission. Communication to/from the rover is Direct-to-Earth utilizing a low gain omnidirectional antenna or a high gain phased array antenna through the Deep Space Network (DSN). There is a major RF Compatibility Test that will be performed with the DSN.

This will be performed at Johnson Space Center (JSC) using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) provided RF Compatibility Test Trailer, connecting the vehicle to the NASA-Ames Mission Operations Center. There is also crypto key loading that will need to occur. For lunar surface communication, one of your goals will be to determine the impact of low-angle multipath propagation, and the necessary means to mitigate.

You will be a part of the test team and evolve to be on the Operations team. This would require developing test procedures and sitting test console (testbed and vehicle testing), developing operations procedures and products for sitting operations console, troubleshooting and anomaly investigations. You will be located at JSC in order to be with the test and operations team supporting testbed and vehicle functional testing.

There is also a need to periodically travel to Florida to support post‑delivery vehicle checkout and possibly integrated Lander/VIPER checkouts. The role is ideal for a communication system engineer who has both strong motivation to understand the end‑to‑end system, and the maturity and good judgement to advise both Draper and NASA Programs and Engineering leadership toward a successful mission, as well as expanding the capability for future missions.

• Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.
• Manages complex engineering projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships.
• Drives solutions to complex problems with limited direction—contributes to requirements development, proposes ways forward, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency or communications systems.
• Contributes to customer presentations.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identifies program/system‑level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
• Actively mentors less experienced teammates and provides thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Ability to lead a cross‑functional team.
• Involved in business development and proposal activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of electrical engineering.
• Skills with RF and Communications software tools.
• Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurement.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details.

Requires bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Requires 5–10 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.