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Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Senior RF Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

... deep-space communication, navigation, and science operations. You will work hands-on across the full lifecycle, from concept and link budgets, to working with ground stations (i.e. DSN, KSAT, etc ...

Actalent

PGA Engineer

Whittier, CA · Hybrid

$75 - $95/hr

... including deep-space, lunar, and Mars communication systems. This role focuses on creating ... Experience contributing to hardware development on complex space flight programs. * Familiarity ...

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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 Jul 6, 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.

Does NASA hire international workers?

NASA generally hires U.S. citizens for most positions, including roles at facilities like the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. International applicants may be considered for some contractor or partner roles, but employment opportunities are primarily limited to U.S. citizens due to security and visa requirements.

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.

Where is the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex?

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is located near Canberra, Australia. It is part of NASA's Deep Space Network and supports space missions with large radio antennas and advanced communication equipment.

Can I work for NASA in Australia?

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is part of NASA's Deep Space Network and is located in Australia. Employment opportunities there are typically limited to Australian residents or citizens, and roles often require specialized skills in engineering, science, or technical fields. Working for NASA directly in Australia is uncommon, but international collaborations and contractor positions may be available for qualified candidates.

Is it hard to get a job for NASA?

Getting a job at NASA, including roles at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, can be competitive due to high standards and specialized skills required. Candidates typically need relevant education, technical expertise, and experience in fields like engineering, science, or communications, along with a strong application process. Persistence and a strong background in STEM are important for success.
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Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex jobs near you
Infographic showing various Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,159 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Senior RF Engineer

Senior RF Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted yesterday

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 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 an RF Engineer on Relativity's Interplanetary Program, you will own the architecture, design, development, testing, and operation of next-generation high-reliability RF systems that enable deep-space communication, navigation, and science operations. You will work hands-on across the full lifecycle, from concept and link budgets, to working with ground stations (i.e. DSN, KSAT, etc.) through hardware bring-up, environmental qualification, integrated testing, and flight readiness. This role partners tightly with avionics, optical comms, and spacecraft REs to ensure our RF subsystem integrates cleanly into the overall spacecraft bus. You will be responsible for solving engineering challenges that push the boundaries of RF technologies: designing for extreme distances measuring in AUs, low-SNR environments, radiation effects, and highly constrained mass/power budgets. This is a highly technical, hardware-first role in a scrappy, hands-on environment and team where iteration speed, analytical rigor, and end-to-end ownership of the problem space will be critical to the success of the mission.
About You:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in RF communication system architecture, analysis, and/or component engineering
  • Experience with 3 or more of the following:
    • RF architecture & link budgets for challenging environments
    • Selection, design, and/or integration of RF systems including transmitters, receivers, LNAs, PAs, frequency sources, converters, and front-end architecture.
    • Selection and/or design of RF passive components such as filters, diplexers, couplers, and waveguide components
    • Antenna design, analysis, and modeling tools
    • Hands-on testing with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, SDRs, power meters and data recorders
    • Hands-on integrated testing with ground stations and/or integrated spacecraft RF systems to flow live telemetry and commanding
  • Experience communicating deeply technical topics with individuals from different disciplines

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Experience with space environments (radiation effects, thermal extremes, vacuum operation, component derating)
  • Prior work with deep-space spacecraft comms system design & architecture
  • Prior work with deep-space ground station networks
  • Experience with high-gain antennas, phased arrays, or gimbaled antenna systems
  • Experience designing or validating RF hardware for flight qualification (TVAC, vibe, EMI/EMC)

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:
$159,000-$204,000 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.

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