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Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JPL

Optical Engineer IV

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advanced communication systems, and develop ... complex technologies * Extensive knowledge of industry and/or academic practices and standards ...

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Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex information

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$43.5K

$93.2K

$154K

How much do canberra deep space communication complex jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for canberra deep space communication complex in the United States is $93,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex?

Engineers at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex often encounter challenges related to maintaining and upgrading sophisticated equipment that operates around the clock. They must ensure precise calibration of antennas and timely troubleshooting of technical issues to support real-time communications with spacecraft. Coordinating with international space agencies and adhering to strict protocols can add complexity, while the need for continuous learning about emerging technologies keeps the role dynamic. Working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team helps address these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, and why are they important?

To excel at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, you generally need a background in engineering, physics, or computer science, along with experience in satellite communications and telemetry. Familiarity with radio frequency (RF) systems, large antenna operations, and specialized software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for managing complex technical challenges and collaborating with international space agencies. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure reliable communication with spacecraft and support critical space missions for organizations like NASA and ESA.

What is the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex?

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is a ground station located near Canberra, Australia, that supports spacecraft missions as part of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). It communicates with and tracks spacecraft exploring our solar system and beyond, providing vital data and telemetry links. The CDSCC is essential for receiving images, scientific information, and commands to and from missions such as Mars rovers and interplanetary probes. The facility is managed by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, in cooperation with NASA.

What is the difference between Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex vs Canberra Space Operations Technician?

AspectCanberra Deep Space Communication ComplexCanberra Space Operations Technician
CredentialsEngineering or technical degree, specialized training in space communicationTechnical diploma or degree, training in space systems and operations
Work EnvironmentGround station facilities, remote location, high-tech communication equipmentControl centers, operational environments, hands-on equipment handling
Employer & IndustryNASA, CSIRO, space agencies, aerospace industrySpace agencies, aerospace companies, government agencies

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex focuses on maintaining and operating large ground stations for deep space communication, requiring specialized engineering skills. In contrast, the Canberra Space Operations Technician handles day-to-day operations and maintenance of space systems, often working directly with equipment and control systems. Both roles are vital in space missions but differ in technical focus and work environment.

More about Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex jobs
What states have the most Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex jobs? States with the most job openings for Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex jobs are:
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex jobs near you
Infographic showing various Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,159 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Staff Communications Payload Lead Engineer

Staff Communications Payload Lead Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.

Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.

About the Team:

The Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers.

About the Role:

As the Lead Engineer for the Communications Payload within the Interplanetary Sciences Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and delivery of a complex system that delivers next generation communication and compute capability.

You will be responsible for creating an architecture that meets the functional capability needs while closing all other technical constraints (structural, thermal, power, EMI, etc…). You will be working closely with and technically leading a small team of subject matter experts and responsible engineers on communication systems, high-capability compute, power, and thermal to deliver a fully working system in support of an upcoming science & exploration mission.

This role will be a high responsibility, high autonomy, and high accountability role within a fast-paced, iterative environment, where rapid prototyping, early testing, and continuous learning are key to success. You'll lead hands-on development campaigns to evaluate key technologies, derisk interfaces, and validate performance before full system integration. You'll also work across internal and external teams to turn concepts into hardware, balancing agility and rigor as you move quickly from analysis to prototypes to flight-ready systems.

About You:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a related technical field
  • 10+ years of experience in design and delivery of complex electrical systems, ideally with direct hands-on leadership in RF and/or compute heavy projects
  • Prior experience in full lifecycle of architecture through delivery of a complex multi-disciplinary system
  • Core technical expertise in architecture or detailed design of electrical systems
  • Familiarity with core principles of systems engineering and interface management for complex problems
  • Familiarity with core principles of risk management for complex problems
  • Excellent technical communication and problem-solving skills

Nice to haves but not required:

  • Experience with RF-based terrestrial or deep space communication system design, including link budgets, ground station compatibility, radio/antenna design, and final integration & testing is a plus
  • Experience with terrestrial compute and storage systems is a plus
  • Experience with compute and storage survivability in space and radiation environments is a plus
  • Experience with NASA aerospace systems engineering practices in an applied / new-space manner is a plus

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:
$188,000—$251,500 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.