RF Communications Designer

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting a Commercial Space contract. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of a Commercial Space project.

Relative Dynamics is seeking a Navigation Flight Software Engineer to support the lunar mission portfolio for a Commercial Space customer. This is a surge support role slated for a 1-year period of performance with the potential for extension. This is a hybrid role with regular on-site presence in either Houston, TX or Glen Burnie, MD. This role may be eligible for remote work based on customer approval.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• 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.

What You’ll Need:

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

• 5+ years minimum 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.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 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.

Who You Are:

• Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders

• Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards

• Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments

• Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects

• Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success

What You'll Enjoy:

• Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

• Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.

• Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.