Spacecraft Telecom Lead IV
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Job Summary
The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is looking for an experienced and qualified Spacecraft Telecom Engineer to lead the communications subsystem development for a deep space mission that will tour the inner solar system and explore the asteroid belt. Launch is expected in early 2028. There will some period of months of overlap with the outgoing (retiring) telecom lead.
Team member will lead the telecom subsystem development effort including architecture, design, component procurement, documentation, analysis, presentation, integration, test, and operations activities for an upcoming deep space mission as part of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists. Team member will also be responsible for growing telecom capability at the Lab.
Who We Are
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Lead the design, analysis, specification, procurement, integration, test, launch, and early operations of the communications subsystem(s) for the MAX mission. The communications subsystem will include a deep space transponder, TWTA, switches, passive filters and interconnecting hardware.
- Participate as a systems engineer in the overall development of the spacecraft and lander, providing feedback, review, and insight to other subsystems and to the flight segment.
- Work with other subsystem leads and system engineers to develop interfaces, create operational scenarios, and design system-level tests to ensure the flight system operates as a integrated spacecraft.
- Mentor junior engineers at LASP and within our customer organization.
- Specific tasks include:
- Write requirements and verification plans.
- Perform studies including link analyses, data rate definitions and working within bandwidth limitations per international agreement.
- Lead development of the subcontract statement of work including key performance and quality specifications with robust verification plans.
- Manage subcontractors for component / system delivery within cost, schedule and resource constraints of the established project baseline.
- Participate in peer reviews and programmatic reviews.
- Lead the integration of the communications subsystem components, including cleanroom work.
- Create tests to validate the functional performance requirements of the communications subsystem.
- Participate in system level scenario creation and testing, involving definition of telemetry points and displays. This includes specifying fault protection responses.
- Be an active part of launch scenario testing, launch operations, and early orbit commissioning. Post-launch activities will encompass sequence reviews, event planning and telecom subsystem performance monitoring.
- Participate in final launch site preparations, including RF testing.
What You Should Know
- If you are selected for this position you will be required to pass a NASA background clearance for network and/or site access.
- Due to US Export Control restrictions only US Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply.
- All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement. New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $125,000-$164,000. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 200% matching for the first 5% contributed with immediate vesting. Relocation assistance is available per institute guidelines.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- At least 5 years spacecraft communications experience.
- BS/BA or higher-level degree in engineering or applied sciences.
- Experience with subcontract management.
- Experience with environmental testing for space flight systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Team player, willing to contribute where needed to get the job done.
- Travel: Domestic travel required to visit subcontractors, etc. International travel required for milestone reviews, TIMs, final testing, or launch site activities (estimated two trips per year, maximum).
What You Will Need
- Applicant should be experienced with all aspects of deep space telecom design including component sizing, vendor selection, subcontract management, link budget development, subsystem I&T, and operations.
- Must be able to work in a dynamic and fluid team environment and be enthusiastic about mentoring students and junior engineers.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience working in cleanroom environments with ESD sensitive hardware.
- Deep space RF links
- Work with DSN or ESA networks
- Crosslinks (orbiter to lander assets).
- Antenna design and performance evaluation.
- Matlab programming and use.
- Frequency licensing.
- Experience with logistics and shipping.
- Teaching and mentoring of young engineers and students.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV.
- Cover letter briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are selected for the position, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
The position will remain open until filled.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu