Spacecraft Communications/DSP Engineer

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As launch costs decrease, more and more companies and governments are launching increasingly large numbers of smaller satellites. For the first time in history, this increase in demand is driving a massive need for spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. Satellite buses carry customers’ payloads and are delivered to space on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using a combination of disruptive software, vertical integration, and hardware that is adesigned for manufacturing. Our satellite buses are truly productized to enable a wide set of missions, ranging from earth observation to communications and more, that advance our future as a society.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission. Please note: our employees view Apex as their life’s mission. As such, we have an intense culture of curiosity, hunger, and results. If you want a typical 9-5 job, this is not the place for you. If you live and breathe aerospace, if you believe the future of humanity is beyond Earth, and if you want to be a foundational member of that journey beyond our planet, Apex is the place for you. This will be an intense, results-focused mission, where you will be surrounded by a passionate team that strives to move quickly, reliably, and intelligently.

We are seeking a talented and experienced Communications / DSP Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of communications systems for our satellite bus portfolio. Your expertise will contribute to ensuring seamless and efficient communication between satellites, ground stations, and end-users. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives, adhere to industry standards, and maintain the highest levels of quality and reliability.

• Design, develop, and optimize communications systems and architecture for satellite vehicles, including spacecraft payloads, transponders, antennas, and ground-based equipment.
• Build and Deploy GNU Radio or similar virtual modems/DSP back ends for satellite communications.
• Collaborate with RF engineers and software engineers to integrate and test communications systems into satellite platforms, ensuring compatibility and seamless operation.
• Conduct trade and feasibility studies and make recommendations for system enhancements, upgrades, and new technologies for various frequency bands to improve network efficiency, reliability, and performance.
• Develop system requirements and specifications for communication systems, ensuring compliance with customer needs, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop test plans and procedures and support the testing, verification, and validation of communications systems, including subsystem and system-level testing, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation.
• Provide technical expertise and support to cross-functional teams, including project managers, network engineers, and operations personnel.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and standards in the field of communication systems engineering, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience (3 years) in the design, development, and implementation of communications systems, preferably within the space industry.
• Strong knowledge in SDR/DSP development in tools like GNU Radio
• Strong knowledge in software programming in Python and/or C/C and the code development cycle
• Strong knowledge of communications protocols such as TCP/IP, DVB-S2, and CCSDS, as well as RF communications principles and modulation techniques and MODCODs.
• Knowledge in writing hardware drivers to interface with radios/modems/SDRs
• Proficiency in link budget analysis and system-level modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink) and satellite communications analysis tools.
• Familiarity with satellite communications standards and regulatory frameworks, including the FCC licensing process, ITU regulations and frequency coordination processes.
• Experience with communications system testing, including test plan development, test execution, and analysis of test results.
• Experience in signal waveform design techniques to optimize communications system performance and spectral efficiency.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex technical issues to develop innovative solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment, managing multiple priorities and tasks effectively.

Benefits

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We offer the following benefits:

Work with a small, dynamic team that enables you and offers you the resources you need to do your best work putting hardware into orbit.

* Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.

* Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. The primary's premium is 99% covered.

* Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, fostering employee well-being.

*Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.

* Free lunch every day

* Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.

* A world class office located in Culver City, filled with snacks, amazing coworkers, and social gatherings for you and your family.

* Paternity/maternity leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.