SATCOM Systems Engineer

As a SATCOM Systems Engineer, you will own the communications subsystem at the spacecraft level. You will be responsible for developing communication architectures, performing link budget analysis, evaluating communications technologies, integrating flight hardware, supporting environmental qualification campaigns, and validating communications performance before launch. You will also support spacecraft commissioning and mission operations to ensure communications systems continue to perform throughout the mission lifecycle. Your work will directly contribute to the success of next-generation Canadian spacecraft supporting commercial, government, and defense customers.

Communications Systems Engineering

• Define spacecraft communications architectures and subsystem requirements.
• Develop communication performance budgets and mission communications concepts.
• Conduct trade studies involving radios, antennas, modems, protocols, and communication technologies.
• Support spacecraft design reviews and technical decision-making.
• Ensure communications systems meet mission objectives, reliability targets, and operational requirements.

Spacecraft Communications Integration

• Lead integration of radios, SDRs, antennas, amplifiers, filters, and communication payloads into flight systems.
• Define interfaces between communications subsystems and spacecraft avionics, payloads, power systems, and software.
• Support spacecraft-level integration activities and system verification campaigns.
• Coordinate communications subsystem activities with internal engineering teams and external suppliers.
• Ensure subsystem readiness for qualification and flight acceptance.

RF Performance Analysis & Verification

• Develop and maintain detailed communications link budgets.
• Analyze communication performance, system margins, interference environments, and operational constraints.
• Perform spectrum analysis and communications performance characterization.
• Develop verification procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Support communications system validation through laboratory, field, and environmental testing

Qualification & Flight Readiness

• Develop and execute communications subsystem test plans as well as S-Param tests
• Participate in spacecraft qualification and flight readiness reviews.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support mission assurance activities and engineering documentation.

Mission Operations Support

• Support launch and early orbit operations (LEOP).
• Monitor communications performance during spacecraft commissioning.
• Investigate communication anomalies and support root-cause analysis.
• Support long-term mission operations and communications health monitoring.
• Recommend operational improvements and system enhancements.

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What we look for:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
• Strong understanding of RF and satellite communications fundamentals.
• Experience with communications system integration, testing, or verification.
• Experience developing communications link budgets and performance analyses.
• Familiarity with RF test equipment and measurement techniques.
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What sets you apart:

• Understanding of Optical Comms is a big asset
• Previous spacecraft, satellite, or aerospace program experience.
• Experience with nanosatellite or small satellite missions.
• Priorspacecraft integration and test experience.
• Experience supporting launch campaigns or mission operations
• Familiaritywith inter-satellite links (ISL) and crosslink architectures.
• Experience with phased array communication systems.
• Experience using STK, MATLAB, GNU Radio, SatMaster, or equivalent engineeringtools.
• Understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles and qualification programs

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Galaxia offers a comprehensive benefit plan to our employees, including:

Health, Vision, & Dental coverage – 100% employer-paid for you. Optional family coverage available.

Retirement savings – RRSP with employer match.

Wellness stipend– monthly contributions towards your health and wellness journey.

Flexible, outcome-driven work – We focus on what you achieve, work in a way that empowers your best.

Learning & development – We invest in your growth with ongoing learning and development opportunities.

Home office support – We help you build a workspace that sets you up for success.

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