Sr. Staff Space-Based Communications Systems Engineer

OverviewVantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so be seen differently.EligibilityTo be eligible for this position you must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee) and may need a TS/SCI clearance. Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).Role OverviewSpace-Based Comms Systems Engineer responsible for evaluating, integrating, and supervising spacecraft optical communications solutions. The role is the key technical authority across optical terminal selection, link performance analysis, vendor engagement, and system‑level architecture development.ResponsibilitiesLead evaluation, selection, and integration of spacecraft optical communications systems for mission‑critical space programs.Develop and maintain optical communications trade studies, requirements analyses, and hardware down‑selection efforts.Build and maintain detailed optical link budgets, including acquisition, tracking, pointing, atmospheric effects, distance‑dependent losses, and system performance margins.Analyze end‑to‑end communications performance and recommend architecture improvements across spacecraft, ground, and network segments.Assess optical terminal capabilities, data rates, acquisition strategies, modulation approaches, and operational concepts to ensure mission success.Serve as primary technical interface with optical communications vendors, evaluating product offerings and ensuring alignment with program requirements.Guide vendor engagements throughout the product lifecycle, including technical reviews, design assessments, manufacturing oversight, and delivery planning.Collaborate with RF cross‑link service providers to evaluate the applicability of their offerings.Monitor supplier manufacturing, integration, testing, and qualification activities to ensure schedule, quality, and technical objectives are achieved.Collaborate with spacecraft, avionics, communications, mission operations, payload, and systems engineering teams to develop optimized end‑to‑end solutions.Identify technical risks, performance limitations, and integration challenges while developing mitigation strategies.Support system architecture development and provide recommendations on subsystem impacts.Contribute to customer engagements, technical reviews, and proposal activities as a subject‑matter expert in optical communications.QualificationsU.S. citizen with the ability to obtain or possess a TS/SCI clearance.Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.5+ years of experience in the aerospace industry, including at least 2+ years developing, integrating, or supporting spacecraft optical communications systems.Strong understanding of optical communications principles, including link acquisition and tracking, PAT systems, optical link budget development, data rate and bandwidth calculations, loss modeling, and end‑to‑end communications architecture.Experience conducting technical trade studies and hardware down‑selection efforts.Experience with spacecraft optical communications AI/T campaigns and deploying into full operations.Experience developing and maintaining system‑level performance analyses and link budgets.Demonstrated ability to evaluate vendor technologies and manage technical relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.Experience overseeing hardware development, manufacturing, testing, and qualification activities.Experience setting up, executing tests, and analyzing data‑chain testbeds leveraging optical terminals.Strong systems engineering mindset with the ability to understand subsystem interactions and mission‑level impacts.Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.Ability to operate independently and drive technically complex initiatives with minimal oversight.Desired SkillsExperience supporting optical communications systems for commercial, civil, and national security missions.Familiarity with optical terminal integration into spacecraft avionics and communications architectures.Experience designing spacecraft RF cross‑links.Experience with ground station integration and end‑to‑end communications network analysis.Experience supporting design reviews, requirements verification, and mission readiness activities.Knowledge of emerging optical communications standards, architectures, and industry trends.Active U.S. Government security clearance.Pay TransparencyStarting pay for this role will fall within the following range: $124,000 - $165,000 - $181,500 annually in Colorado. For other states, ranges are adjusted based on local cost of labor.BenefitsVantor offers a competitive total rewards package, 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement, pet insurance, and other perks.EEO PolicyVantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.#J-18808-Ljbffr