Principal Communication Systems Engineer I

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Principal Communication Systems Engineer I to our team in Munich Germany. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge phased array antennas and radios for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, experience in space technology, and the ability to be the technical point of contact for our communication programs. In this position, you will lead the development of space architecture concepts, sub-system design, payload design, requirements development, analysis and decomposition, high-level software and hardware system architecture design, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and risk assessment. You will coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams, raise issues at the program level, and drive complex programs to success.

The successful candidate will communicate effectively with team members and internal stakeholders, both verbally and through written content.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Evaluate customer and operational needs to define requirements, integrate technical parameters, and assure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.

• Represent CesiumAstro in customer meetings, design reviews, and technical discussions across Europe.

• Define and validate space system requirements and interfaces, ensuring end-to-end feasibility.

• Develop and direct technical concept development in support of proposals and demonstrations.

• Participate in developing system engineering processes for requirements management, flow-down, and traceability.

• Lead system-level trade studies, including antenna architecture design, modem design, performance analysis and system level integration.

• Coordinate with RF/Antenna, Electrical, and Software/FPGA engineers to ensure concept feasibility and compliance.

• Support proposal development, design reviews, and technical documentation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.

• 6+ years of experience in system engineering for communications payloads, RF systems, or space/defense platforms.

• Very strong background in communication theory.

• Practical experience working with antenna systems (design, integration, or performance evaluation).

• Experience with and understanding of satellite-communications standards (e.g., NR NTN, DVB-S2x, CCSDS).

• Proven ability to capture and manage requirements across multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting to customers and leading design reviews.

• Fluent in English (German language skills a plus).

• Deep understanding of RF concepts, impairments, and their impacts on system performance.

WHAT WE OFFER:
• The opportunity to help establish CesiumAstro’s first European office and grow our Munich team.

• High-impact role with direct exposure to leading EU space programs.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• A collaborative, innovative environment shaping the future of space communications.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Please be aware that many roles will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including new starter’s nationality, any previous or dual nationalities held, place of birth and country of residence may limit those roles that you can perform for the organization.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.