R&D Communications Engineer
Full-time (Regular)Job Overview
As the advanced research & development (ARD) Communications Engineer, you will participate in two types of ARD projects:
1) new technology development/demonstration and
2) next generation lunar transportation, infrastructure, and resource utilization system architecture creation from initial concept to system preliminary design level.
The engineer will join a multidisciplinary conceptual design team and perform RF and Optical Communications tradespace modeling—with Python‑based analytical tools—as part of our modeling workflow. They will help integrate R&D communication subsystem technologies into future lander, orbiter, and rover missions for validation and commercial deployment.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team and work closely with the engineering teams in Japan, EU, and US, and you will contribute to the company’s R&D direction set by the CTO.
As the advanced research & development (ARD) Communications Engineer, you will participate in two types of ARD projects:
1) new technology development/demonstration and
2) next generation lunar transportation, infrastructure, and resource utilization system architecture creation from initial concept to system preliminary design level.
The engineer will join a multidisciplinary conceptual design team and perform RF and Optical Communications tradespace modeling—with Python‑based analytical tools—as part of our modeling workflow. They will help integrate R&D communication subsystem technologies into future lander, orbiter, and rover missions for validation and commercial deployment.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team and work closely with the engineering teams in Japan, EU, and US, and you will contribute to the company’s R&D direction set by the CTO.
Key responsibilities
- Define, analyze, and evaluate RF and Optical Communications subsystem architectures for future ispace missions, including equipment selection, on‑board and ground‑segment trade studies, and full RF link‑budget evaluations for space‑to‑ground, ground‑to‑space, and space‑to‑space links.
- Develop and maintain Python‑based analytical models for tradespace exploration, subsystem sizing, and architecture evaluation.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across global ispace offices to support conceptual system design and early mission architecture development.
- Take proactive technical leadership in communications-focused R&D tasks and maintain clear, traceable code and documentation of assumptions, models, and results.
- Support and contribute to communications-related R&D projects, including technology demonstrations and customer-focused development activities.
Basic Qualifications
- Bsc. or Masters degree / experience in the RF/optical communications fields in the context of spacecraft design
- Five or more years of relevant experience with RF and/or Optical communications system analysis, link‑budget creation, tradeoff between bands, modulations, coding, impact on BER, etc.
- 3 years of relevant modelling programming languages (Python: NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, or alternatively strong experience in matlab).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience on interoperable nodes constellation design (intersatellite link, PNT, communication coverage)
- Experience with modelling and optmization tools (GMAT, STK, link budget simulation libs, etc)
- Experience as systems engineering applying the Model Based Systems Engineering approach
- Understanding of communications regulations (ITU, SFCG, etc.).
- Ability to work in fast‑paced, ambiguous conceptual environments and take proactive technical ownership.