Job Title: Ground System Integration and Test Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Ground System Integration and Test Engineer to be involved in the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of satellite ground station antennas. This role includes working in outdoor, datacenter, and lab settings, contributing to both Ground System and Spacecraft Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and build ground gateway communication systems, including site surveys, system design, hardware selection, integration, end-to-end testing, site activation, maintenance, and operations.
• Design, build, and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) of ground gateway antenna systems, supporting equipment racks, and interfaces with flight hardware.
• Configure, operate, and maintain ground gateway support equipment, antenna stations, and subsystems.
• Create schematics and bills of materials (BOM) for test systems and mission-critical subsystems.
• Procure hardware and manage inventory, including spare parts.
• Oversee production, testing, quality control, and logistics of ground system hardware.
• Interface with multiple disciplines, including customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and engineers.
• Travel to remote sites to set up, install, troubleshoot, and maintain ground gateway antenna systems.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in the design and implementation of RF systems and system-level communication architectures.
• 5+ years of hardware experience with spacecraft, ground stations, IT/networks, and other communication systems.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals and system-level experience in design, hardware assembly, and testing.
• Troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Knowledge of main network protocols and services (e.g., IP, TCP, UDP, DNS, SNMP, NTP, DHCP, VPNs).
• Experience with RF test equipment: VNA, VSG, Channel Emulator, GPS Simulator.
• Experience developing link budgets and engineering calculations related to system specification and design.
• Experience with satcom equipment and RF components including BUC, LNB, LNA, coupler, SDR, ACU, RF antenna feed, RF filters.
• Experience with LEO, MEO, and/or GEO Satellite ground station engineering.
• Experience with high voltage AC power (110V - 480VAC) and DC power (3.3VDC-48VDC), UPS, PDU, battery modules, ATS, power generator.
• Experience developing tools in Python or Matlab and using Visio or CAD software to develop system schematics.
• Proficient in Linux and Windows server administration.
• Experience with Atlassian tools such as JIRA, Confluence, and Bitbucket.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel to and work at remote sites for test integration, commissioning, and training.
• Strong knowledge of networks, electronics, math, engineering, and physics.
• Creative problem-solving, engineering, and design skills with exceptional analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively.
• Experience working with government organizations (USAF, NASA, FAA, FCC, NTIA, etc.).

Work Environment

The position is based onsite in Northridge, CA. The role may require physical effort, including standing, lifting, and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment up to 50 lbs. Candidates should be willing to engage hands-on and take ownership of projects to meet deadlines. The work involves handling multiple projects in parallel and may require travel to remote sites.