Systems Engineer

About the Opportunity

The department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Ultrabroadband Nanonetworking Laboratory (UNLab), part of the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT), is seeking a Systems Engineering Lead to work on the design, development, integration, and testing of Northeastern University’s (NU’s) first CubeSat Mission. The mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of satellite communication in the Terahertz band (THz band, 0.1-10THz) for the first time. 

As a world-class leader in THz communication, the UNLab is working on a 3U CubeSat carrying a THz Software Defined Radio (SDR) as its primary payload. The primary mission goal is to demonstrate reliable communications above 100 GHz in space-to-space links. The UNLab has already secured support from many institutions and programs, including the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative (NASA CSLI), the University Nanosatellite Program – Mission Concept 2024 (UNP-MC2024), and the NSF Community Infrastructure for Research in Computer and Information Science and Engineering (NSF CIRC).

As the Lead Project Systems Engineer, you will be part of the team contributing to the design, supervision, and development of mission and flight systems that lead to the successful accomplishment of the mission’s level 1 objectives . Tasks include, but are not limited to, designing the mission concept, including mission requirements, objectives and concept of operations; deriving of subsystems requirements; designing, procuring, and possibly supervising subsystems development and integration; and more.
 

QUALIFICATIONS:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Systems Engineer with a Ph.D. degree  in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering, or 3 or more years of experience in mission development and systems engineering. Candidates from other STEM fields with systems engineering experience will also be considered. You must be able to work collaboratively in multi-institutional teams with senior and junior scholars. Strong foundations in systems engineering (e.g., familiarity with NASA’s project life cycle and associated milestones) , small-satellite development, and project management are required. A background in satellite communication, wireless communications, or digital design is beneficial. Clear writing and presentation skills are essential.

This groundbreaking project is the first of its kind, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space technology and communication systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the entire systems engineering process, ensuring the successful integration and operation of the CubeSats.
 

SUPERVISION:

The Lead Project Systems Engineer will report to the Faculty PI, Dr. Josep Miquel Jornet, and will work in collaboration with students, faculty and staff of the Institute to achieve annual objectives and goals.

Supervision tasks include:

• Close collaboration with UNLab graduate students to define specific scientific objectives that can translate to payload requirements.
• Collaboration with external partners and collaborators as necessary, including NASA, AFOSR, NSF, collaborating Universities, procurement vendors, and subcontractors.
• Supervision of collaborating students from undergraduate student associations involved (Project Horizon and Aerospace NU, mainly).

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.