RF Communications Engineer (REMOTE)

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
Estimated Duration: Ongoing
W2 Position with full benefits

Remote position

Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $130-210K + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc. is a professional services company supporting government and commercial clients with program management, engineering, cybersecurity, and technology solutions. We are mission-driven and people-focused, combining technical excellence with a collaborative, high-integrity culture where employees are trusted, supported, and empowered. At Columbus, your work is visible and meaningful, your growth is encouraged, and your contributions directly support important missions and long-term client success. We value excellence, accountability, innovation, and respect—and we are committed to providing an environment where professionals can build lasting, impactful careers.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design communication systems to support satellite systems in lunar orbit, deep-space, satellite, and other mission applications.
• Define communication subsystem requirements and allocate requirements across spacecraft, payload, and ground system interfaces.
• Develop RF communication subsystem architectures, interfaces, and test activities including antennas, transceivers, SDRs, LNAs, SSPAs, filters, multiplexers, and related hardware.
• Develop and analyze communication link budgets to ensure mission performance requirements are met.
• Define and implement communication waveforms, modulation schemes, coding/FEC techniques, and synchronization methods.
• Perform RF system modeling, simulation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Conduct communication performance analyses including Eb/No, carrier-to-noise ratio, throughput, coverage, access, and link margin assessments.
• Ensure communication subsystem designs comply with applicable constraints, standards, and requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems, software, avionics, GNC, payload, and ground systems engineers, to ensure successful communication system integration.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in communications or related fields.
• Experience developing communication subsystem requirements and interface definitions.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite communication systems.
• Experience with Software Defined Radios (SDRs), optical, and/or RF communications systems.
• Experience with communication analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or equivalent.
• Experience with test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.
• Familiarity with government standards, CCSDS protocols, and spectrum management activities.
• Experience supporting communication subsystem integration, verification, environmental testing, and mission operations.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.