Communications Engineer - ELSYS - Colorado Springs, CO - (Open Rank)
Georgia Tech Research Institute, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Overview
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.
Georgia Tech's Mission and Values
Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:
1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.
Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.
Project/Unit Description
This role seeks an experienced engineer with a technical background in an Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO)-related field (e.g. EW, radar, comms). The Communications Engineer will be assigned to the Test Engineering (TEN) Division and will serve as an on-site liaison to the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 81 (SYD 81) Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI). This role will support OTTI and the development of the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) EMSO range by providing Subject Matter Expertise (SME), technical analysis of current system capabilities, future capability needs, and implementation trades. The applicant should:
Have hands-on experience using and implementing RF systems, equipment, networks, and/or test environments
Have hands-on engineering experience with RF systems over-the-air (OTA) an/or in Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) environments
Experience with implementing HWIL environments or experience performing system testing in HWIL environments is a plus
Have a solid grasp of relevant Radio Frequency (RF), hardware, software, firmware, communication, and digital signal processing concepts
Follow current engineering trends and have the ability to provide forward-thinking recommendations and robust, elegant designs
Be a proficient user of RF test equipment, both via front-panel and remote programming operations
Be proficient in providing RF system analyses (e.g. link budgets, J/S analyses, antenna sizing, throughput calculations, power budget)
Be familiar with using a high-level programming language (e.g. MATLAB, Python)
Be familiar with digital/waveform concepts (e.g. IQ, Nyquist theorem, waveform theory, constellation diagrams, modulation schemes, bit rate vs. symbol rate)
Job Purpose
Research, design, development and prototyping of communications equipment and systems. Utilizing experience and knowledge of end-to-end communications systems to architect novel and robust communications systems including emerging software-defined radio platforms and other emerging commercial communication systems and advanced tactical networks. Establish key performance requirements for various target radios across multiple operating bands, environments and targeted applications. Develop, implement, characterize and test leading-edge waveform and communications technologies enabling greater performance while enhancing EW capabilities through secure communications.
Key Responsibilities Primary author of technical reports/presentations for projects of moderate/high complexity. Compile report input from other researchers and prepare final report deliverable
Lead and/or contribute to white papers and proposals
Propose and lead IRAD programs
Create and analyze network protocols
Additional Responsibilities Communicate near-future range needs via development and maintenance of roadmaps to support EMSO test and training at the USSF OTTI NSTTC
Guide integration between NSTTC disciplines (physical, virtual), regimes (EM, Orbital, Cyber) and joint-force ranges for joint-force, multi-domain test and training
Recommend methodologies and specific infrastructure to perform test and evaluation activities, crewmember training for space warfighting systems, and joint exercises
Provide subject matter expertise to inform prudent requirements development and decomposition to judiciously implement NSTTC EMSO systems and systems-of-systems
Source and manage GTRI resources to accomplish above responsibilities
Required Minimum Qualifications Technical engineering experience in electromagnetic system test, design, implementation, and/or integration
Solid grasp of RF concepts
Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications Active TS/SCI Clearance
Experience with electromagnetic spectrum test, evaluation, and training using satellites and ground-segment equipment
Experience with electromagnetic protection (EP) methodologies, strategies
Experience with electromagnetic attack (EA) techniques
Familiarity with satellite constellations and orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, GEO)
Technical experience implementing SATCOM systems
Technical familiarity with satellite systems (ground segment, space segment, user segment)
Experience with satellite modem configuration
Experience with Hardware-In-The-loop (HWIL) for the purpose of test and training
Experience with large-scale, RF-centric exercises (joint-service involvement a plus)
Experience with Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) threat systems
Experience with system engineering lifecycle development process, roadmapping, preacquisition support, requirements development, and test planning
Proficient in the development and publication of technical reports
Experience developing system-level requirements
Strong analytical and briefing skills
MATLAB proficiency
Experience with AFSIM, STK
Travel Requirements
10% - 25% travel
Education and Length of Experience
Levels 4, 5
This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook
9 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Artificial Intelligence, Astronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related degree
7 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Artificial Intelligence, Astronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related degree
4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Artificial Intelligence, Astronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related degree
U.S. Citizenship Requirements
Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.
Clearance Type Required
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
Benefits at GTRI
Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.
Georgia Tech's Mission and Values
Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:
1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.
Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.
Project/Unit Description
This role seeks an experienced engineer with a technical background in an Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO)-related field (e.g. EW, radar, comms). The Communications Engineer will be assigned to the Test Engineering (TEN) Division and will serve as an on-site liaison to the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 81 (SYD 81) Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI). This role will support OTTI and the development of the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) EMSO range by providing Subject Matter Expertise (SME), technical analysis of current system capabilities, future capability needs, and implementation trades. The applicant should:
Have hands-on experience using and implementing RF systems, equipment, networks, and/or test environments
Have hands-on engineering experience with RF systems over-the-air (OTA) an/or in Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) environments
Experience with implementing HWIL environments or experience performing system testing in HWIL environments is a plus
Have a solid grasp of relevant Radio Frequency (RF), hardware, software, firmware, communication, and digital signal processing concepts
Follow current engineering trends and have the ability to provide forward-thinking recommendations and robust, elegant designs
Be a proficient user of RF test equipment, both via front-panel and remote programming operations
Be proficient in providing RF system analyses (e.g. link budgets, J/S analyses, antenna sizing, throughput calculations, power budget)
Be familiar with using a high-level programming language (e.g. MATLAB, Python)
Be familiar with digital/waveform concepts (e.g. IQ, Nyquist theorem, waveform theory, constellation diagrams, modulation schemes, bit rate vs. symbol rate)
Job Purpose
Research, design, development and prototyping of communications equipment and systems. Utilizing experience and knowledge of end-to-end communications systems to architect novel and robust communications systems including emerging software-defined radio platforms and other emerging commercial communication systems and advanced tactical networks. Establish key performance requirements for various target radios across multiple operating bands, environments and targeted applications. Develop, implement, characterize and test leading-edge waveform and communications technologies enabling greater performance while enhancing EW capabilities through secure communications.
Key Responsibilities Primary author of technical reports/presentations for projects of moderate/high complexity. Compile report input from other researchers and prepare final report deliverable
Lead and/or contribute to white papers and proposals
Propose and lead IRAD programs
Create and analyze network protocols
Additional Responsibilities Communicate near-future range needs via development and maintenance of roadmaps to support EMSO test and training at the USSF OTTI NSTTC
Guide integration between NSTTC disciplines (physical, virtual), regimes (EM, Orbital, Cyber) and joint-force ranges for joint-force, multi-domain test and training
Recommend methodologies and specific infrastructure to perform test and evaluation activities, crewmember training for space warfighting systems, and joint exercises
Provide subject matter expertise to inform prudent requirements development and decomposition to judiciously implement NSTTC EMSO systems and systems-of-systems
Source and manage GTRI resources to accomplish above responsibilities
Required Minimum Qualifications Technical engineering experience in electromagnetic system test, design, implementation, and/or integration
Solid grasp of RF concepts
Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications Active TS/SCI Clearance
Experience with electromagnetic spectrum test, evaluation, and training using satellites and ground-segment equipment
Experience with electromagnetic protection (EP) methodologies, strategies
Experience with electromagnetic attack (EA) techniques
Familiarity with satellite constellations and orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, GEO)
Technical experience implementing SATCOM systems
Technical familiarity with satellite systems (ground segment, space segment, user segment)
Experience with satellite modem configuration
Experience with Hardware-In-The-loop (HWIL) for the purpose of test and training
Experience with large-scale, RF-centric exercises (joint-service involvement a plus)
Experience with Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) threat systems
Experience with system engineering lifecycle development process, roadmapping, preacquisition support, requirements development, and test planning
Proficient in the development and publication of technical reports
Experience developing system-level requirements
Strong analytical and briefing skills
MATLAB proficiency
Experience with AFSIM, STK
Travel Requirements
10% - 25% travel
Education and Length of Experience
Levels 4, 5
This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook
9 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Artificial Intelligence, Astronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related degree
7 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Artificial Intelligence, Astronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related degree
4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Artificial Intelligence, Astronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related degree
U.S. Citizenship Requirements
Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.
Clearance Type Required
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
Benefits at GTRI
Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.