Remote New

Chief Engineer - Satellite-to-Ground Terminal Communications

Auria Space
$165,000- $200,000
life insurance, paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States
Sep 15, 2025
Auria is looking to hire a Chief Engineer - Satellite-to-Ground Terminal Communications to support the JAM contract. This role is REMOTE. We are seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Chief Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of satellite-to-ground terminal communications systems for our next-generation space programs. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing secure, reliable, and high-throughput communications infrastructure between space assets and Earth-based terminals. This is a high-impact leadership position, responsible for end-to-end systems engineering, architecture decisions, technical strategy, and cross-functional coordination with internal teams, government stakeholders, and commercial partners. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO: Serve as the technical authority on satellite communication systems, focusing on space-to-ground and ground-to-space links. Lead the architecture design and systems integration of communications terminals, including RF, baseband, and digital subsystems. Define and manage system-level requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification plans. Oversee link budget analysis, modulation/coding strategies, and spectrum usage. Ensure compliance with international and national communication standards and regulations (e.g., ITU, FCC, DoD STDs). Collaborate with payload engineers, mission planners, and ground segment teams to ensure holistic mission support. Conduct design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and support test campaigns, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL)simulations and live-link validation. Guide risk management, technical trade studies, and system optimization efforts. Provide technical mentoring to engineering teams and foster a culture of innovation, quality, and mission success. WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES: Mission-Driven Professional: Collaborative contributor motivated by the opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions that protect and serve both the nation and the world. May require domestic/international travel (up to 20%) to partner sites, launch facilities, and test ranges. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master's or Ph.D. preferred). Minimum 12 years of experience in satellite communications systems, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership role. Deep expertise in RF engineering, modulation techniques, antenna systems, and digital signal processing. Experience with ground station systems, including tracking antennas, phased array systems, RF front-ends, modems, and data distribution. Proficiency in communication protocols (e.g., CCSDS, DVB-S2/S2X, SGLS, TCP/IP over satellite). Familiarity with satellite mission types including LEO, MEO, and GEO operations. Strong understanding of link budget tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB, custom scripts) and RF simulation environments. Proven track record in space mission development lifecycle, including design, integration, test, and operations. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills. WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS: Experience with secure or classified satellite communications (e.g., military SATCOM, NATO, DoD programs). Knowledge of optical communications (lasercom) or advanced waveform development. Familiarity with software-defined radios (SDRs) and ground terminal virtualization. Experience with agile or DevSecOps engineering environments. Software development experience with C++ and python PAY TRANSPARENCY: The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $165,000- $200,000 APPLICATION DEADLINE: The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025 THE AURIA TEAM: Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers' missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R&D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision. As a full-time Auria employee, here are some of the many benefits to enjoy: Generous PTO package with yearly tenure increases Flex time provides you with the flexibility needed 6 Company-Paid Holidays + 5 Float days to use when you wish per year Up to 4% match on 401(k) employee contributions, employer and employee contributions immediately vested Up to $5,250 per year on Education and Certification Assistance Low-cost medical plans that include company-sponsored HSA No-cost life insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) And much more! Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.