Senior Systems Engineer – RF Communications Subsystem

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.  
With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration. 
Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space. 
As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development of the RF Communications Subsystem on our Lunar Lander Program. This role is responsible for the end-to-end development, integration, and performance assurance of RF communication systems that support spacecraft-to-ground, lander-to-orbiter (relay), and intra-vehicle data links. The successful candidate will lead subsystem-level requirements development, architecture design, interface control, integration, verification, and mission support across all phases of the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the subsystem technical lead for RF Communications, responsible for the full systems engineering lifecycle: requirements development, design, integration, verification, and operations.
• Develop and maintain subsystem specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and detailed link budgets.
• Define and manage RF communications architecture including S-band, X-band, Ka-band, or other frequency allocations for lunar operations.
• Perform trade studies and analyses for link margin, modulation schemes, antenna design, ground segment compatibility, and spectrum management.
• Interface with spacecraft avionics, power, thermal, structural, and mission operations teams to ensure integrated performance of the RF system.
• Lead supplier technical oversight for RF component and subsystem procurements (transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, filters, cabling, etc.)
• Support end-to-end link analysis to validate communication performance under lunar mission conditions.
• Support antenna placement analyses, structural integration, and RF compatibility assessments.
• Develop test plans and support integration, verification, and validation (V&V) activities including functional tests, environmental tests, and mission simulations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and national frequency regulations.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, design review packages, and support program milestones.
• Participate in mission planning and operations readiness reviews to ensure communication systems readiness for lunar operations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in RF communications systems engineering for spacecraft or aerospace applications.
• Demonstrated experience developing and validating spaceborne RF communications subsystems.
• Deep understanding of RF systems performance parameters, link budgets, modulation schemes, and communication protocols.
• Experience developing and maintaining system-level specifications, ICDs, and technical interface management.
• Strong experience with link analysis tools and modeling (e.g., STK, Matlab, or equivalent tools).
• Familiarity with environmental test campaigns for RF systems, including thermal vacuum, vibration, and end-to-end link verification.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills; able to interface with multidisciplinary technical teams, management, suppliers, and customers.
• Proficient in requirements management tools and configuration management environments (e.g., DOORS, Jama, Jira, Windchill, or equivalent).

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience supporting NASA programs, lunar surface systems, lunar relay satellite systems, or interplanetary communications architectures.
• Extensive experience in FMECA and adherence to NASA programs or lunar exploration missions.
• Familiarity with agile environment methodologies and startup environment.

 #LI-LH1
At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you do