New

RF & Communication Mission System Engineer

Draper Labs
United States, Texas, Houston
17629 El Camino Real (Show on map)
Jun 15, 2026
Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Job Description Summary: You will begin by getting familiar with the VIPER rover onboard communication system and understand all the parameters for establishing and maintaining reliable communications through the mission. Communication to/from the rover is Direct-to-Earth utilizing a low gain omnidirectional antenna or a high gain phased array antenna through the Deep Space Network (DSN). There is a major RF Compatibility Test that will be performed with the DSN. This will be performed at Johnson Space Center (JSC) using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) provided RF Compatibility Test Trailer, connecting the vehicle to the NASA-Ames Mission Operations Center. There is also crypto key loading that will need to occur. For lunar surface communication, one of your goals will be to determine the impact of low-angle multipath propagation, and the necessary means to mitigate. You will be a part of the test team and evolve to be on the Operations team. This would require developing test procedures and sitting test console (testbed and vehicle testing), developing operations procedures and products for sitting operations console, troubleshooting and anomaly investigations. You will be located at JSC in order to be with the test and operations team supporting testbed and vehicle functional testing. There is also a need to periodically travel to Florida to support post-delivery vehicle checkout and possibly integrated Lander/VIPER checkouts. The role is ideal for a communication system engineer who has both strong motivation to understand the end-to-end system, and the maturity and good judgement to advise both Draper and NASA Programs and Engineering leadership toward a successful mission, as well as expanding the capability for future missions. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems. Manages complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment. Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships. Drives solutions to complex problems with limited direction-contributes to requirements development, proposes ways forward, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements. Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency or communications systems. Contributes to customer presentations. Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines. Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies. Actively mentors less experienced teammates and provides thoughtful, constructive feedback. Ability to lead a cross functional team. Involved in business development and proposal activities. Performs other related duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities Knowledge of RF systems and architectures. Knowledge of fundamentals of electrical engineering. Skills with RF and Communications software tools. Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurement. Strong problem solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment. Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details. Education Requires bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred. Experience Requires 5-10 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field. Additional Job Description: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location - City: Houston Job Location - State: Texas Job Location - Postal Code: 77058-2900 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $82,300.00 - $220,000.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits. Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers. Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.