Job Description
We are looking for a Communications & Data Handling (C&DH) Engineer to join our Space Missions area, within the Communications & Data Handling (C&DH) team. The selected candidate will be responsible for the definition, specification, and verification of communication and data interfaces across the satellite platform, as well as supporting the electrical architecture and interface with the ground segment. You will work closely with the Systems Engineering team, as well as engineers from Mechanical, Mission Analysis, and Platform Product areas to ensure full system integration and mission readiness.
Position Tasks and Responsibilities
Main responsibilities include:
Selection and definition of on-board communication subsystems (OBCs, TTC modules, radios, antennas, etc.).
Definition of the logical architecture, including data buses, protocols, and internal communications structure.
Specification of the electrical architecture, including power interfaces, grounding schemes, and subsystem connectivity.
Preparation of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure compatibility across systems.
Specification of harnessing and connector layouts in collaboration with mechanical and system engineering.
Contribution to space-to-ground communication planning, including telemetry/downlink strategy and data routing.
Supporting ground segment definition to ensure compatibility with TTC equipment and mission needs.
Contribution to orbit-spectrum coordination activities and support in ITU-related documentation.
Performing and validating link budgets to ensure RF performance and coverage.
Candidate qualifications and skills
We are looking for a telecommunications or electrical engineer with a strong technical foundation and interest in space systems.
Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
At least 2 years of relevant experience in:
OBCs, TTC subsystems, radios, antennas, and satellite communications.
Data buses and communication protocols (CAN, I²C, UART, SPI, etc.).
Electrical design, power interfaces, grounding, and EMC considerations.
Familiarity with interface definition and documentation (ICDs).
Knowledge of RF concepts and ability to work on link budgets.
Ability to collaborate across disciplines, communicate clearly, and document technical work.
Fluent English, written and spoken.
Nice to have
Experience with small satellite platforms or cubesats.
Knowledge of ECSS standards.
Familiarity with spectrum regulations and ITU filing processes.
Experience in hardware procurement or specification of EGSE and electrical test setups.
About us
About Alén Space
Alén Space is a New Space company focused on the development of missions based on Nanosatellites as well as products and services related to them. Our mission is to help our clients to develop their business plan designing, manufacturing and operating satellites in order to execute the application they need.
While Alén Space is a new company, our team has been involved in several complete nanosatellite missions, from specification to delivery, during the last 15 years. Alén Space technical team is composed of systems engineers, electronic engineers, AIV engineers, software and operations engineers and project managers; with a large experience on IOD, communication, commercial and scientific missions, with private and public institutions such as the European Space Agency.
Alén Space’s value proposition resides in the flexibility and expertise of our team. We utilize our design and testing methodologies, which allow the use of components from various suppliers, to create the most suitable platform for the requested mission. During more than a decade, all our nanosatellites missions have been fully designed in-house, following the same multi-provider approach, resulting on a 100% success rate in orbit, for all launched missions.
At Alén Space, quality and flexibility in the design, manufacturing and testing are hallmarks of the company. The quality of the process is achieved through meticulous testing and verification processes, keeping traceability of all the executed activities. The flexibility is achieved thanks to the proximity relationship with our clients and to our supplier agnostic approach. This relationship aims not only at easing the communication process, but also at allowing our commercial clients to take an important role on the design aspects. In this line, we design the most flexible spacecraft platforms, to accommodate subsystem suppliers’ changes without heavily impacting the overall mission. Our systems and AIV engineers work closely with the client, in order to take decisions and involve them in the process.
Our team has enhanced a work method that applies the strict quality standards set by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS). All of our management, system engineering and AIV processes are based on those standards.
Quality, Flexibility, Scalability, Proximity, Expertise and Success define all Alén Space values.
Do you want to orbit with us?
We offer the opportunity to join a challenging space project together with a self-motivated team with great experience in the design and manufacturing of small satellites!
Conditions
