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.

RF/ Communication Systems Team Lead