Space Communications Engineer

About the role

Cowboy Space Corp. is building a new class of space infrastructure that powers and connects the orbital economy. We are looking for an experienced Space Communications Engineer to design, analyze, and validate wireless communication systems for our Low‑Earth‑Orbit satellite platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop RF subsystems and wireless links operating in S‑band, X‑band, K‑band and UHF.
• Lead antenna design, simulation, and validation to meet mission coverage and gain requirements.
• Support ground‑station architecture, integration and operational readiness.
• Perform link‑budget analysis, throughput, latency and error‑rate modeling across mission scenarios.
• Select, test and integrate COTS modem hardware into the satellite payload.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless physical‑layer integration.
• Conduct RF testing using spectrum analyzers, signal generators and network analyzers.
• Develop test plans, execute validation procedures and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Document design decisions, analysis results and present findings in design reviews.

Required profile

• Proven experience in space or satellite communication systems engineering.
• Strong fundamentals in RF and wireless engineering.
• Hands‑on experience integrating commercial‑off‑the‑shelf (COTS) hardware and validating end‑to‑end links.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and deliver reliable communication solutions.

Required skills

• RF subsystem design
• Antenna design and simulation
• Link‑budget analysis
• COTS modem integration
• S‑band, X‑band, K‑band, UHF RF knowledge
• Spectrum analyzer operation
• Signal generator operation
• Network analyzer operation

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a new space infrastructure category.
• Work with a team from top aerospace and defense organizations.
• Competitive compensation and equity in a fast‑growing startup.