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Communications Engineer information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$109.2K

$135.7K

How much do communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications engineer in California is $109,243.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a communications engineer do?

A Communications Engineer designs, develops, and maintains communication systems and networks, such as telephone, radio, satellite, and internet connections. They ensure reliable and efficient transmission of data and voice signals, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement new technologies to improve performance. Communications Engineers may work with both hardware and software, collaborating with other technical teams to support large-scale infrastructure projects and meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Communications Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectCommunications EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, service providers, infrastructure projectsIT departments, data centers, enterprise networks
Industry UsageTelecommunications, broadcasting, satellite communicationsInformation technology, internet service providers, corporate networks

While both roles involve network and communication systems, Communications Engineers focus on designing and maintaining telecommunication infrastructure, whereas Network Engineers primarily manage and optimize computer networks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is a communications engineer?

A communications engineer builds and maintains telecommunication systems, from radio to satellite to internet technologies. As a communications engineer, your job duties include designing and developing communications networks from the ground up, installing and testing communications systems, troubleshooting and debugging existing systems, and fixing problems as they arise. The qualifications for a career as a communications engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, and experience working on communications systems. You need strong technical skills and the ability to continuously learn new technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communications Engineer, you need a solid understanding of telecommunications principles, networking, signal processing, and typically a degree in electrical or communications engineering. Familiarity with tools such as network analyzers, RF simulation software, and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ are often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure reliable, secure, and high-performing communications systems in rapidly evolving technology environments.

What are some common challenges communications engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Communications Engineers working on large-scale infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as integrating new systems with legacy technologies, ensuring network security and reliability, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. They must also manage tight deadlines and evolving project requirements, which can require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication with stakeholders, including project managers, IT professionals, and external vendors, is essential to successfully address these challenges and deliver robust communication solutions.
More about Communications Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Communications Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Communications Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Communications Engineer jobs in California? For Communications Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Communications Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Communications Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Communications Engineer jobs in CA? For Communications Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Communications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,243 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Space Communications Engineer

Aetherflux

San Carlos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Space Communication Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and validate wireless communication systems for satellite platforms. This role covers the full communication link, from RF front-end and antenna design through modem architecture and ground station integration. You will work across S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF radio systems, performing link budget analysis and system-level performance evaluation to ensure robust, high-reliability communication links for space missions. The ideal candidate combines strong RF/wireless engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience integrating COTS hardware and validating end-to-end communication system performance.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop wireless communication systems for satellite platforms, including RF subsystems operating in S-band, X-band, K-band and UHF frequency ranges
  • Lead antenna design, simulation, and validation efforts to meet mission-specific coverage, gain, and pattern requirements
  • Support ground station design, integration, and operational readiness for satellite communication links
  • Perform link budget analysis and simulation to validate communication link performance across mission scenarios and operating conditions
  • Select, architect, and integrate COTS modem hardware, including part selection, validation testing, and system integration
  • Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration of the physical layer modem with other system components
  • Perform detailed performance analysis of the designed communication system, including link budget analysis, throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
  • Conduct RF and wireless system testing using lab-grade test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers
  • Develop and execute test plans and validation procedures for RF, antenna, and modem subsystems
  • Troubleshoot and resolve communication link performance issues identified during integration, test, or field operations
  • Document design decisions, analysis results, and test data, and present findings in design reviews
  • Collaborate with systems engineering to define communication system requirements and trade studies
  • Support FCC certification and regulatory compliance efforts for RF transmitters, including equipment authorization filings, spurious emissions testing, and coordination with test labs
  • Ensure RF system designs comply with applicable FCC Part 25 (satellite) and other relevant domestic and international spectrum regulations
  • Prepare technical documentation and test reports required for regulatory submissions and spectrum licensing applications

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Wireless Communications, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 7+ years of professional experience in wireless communication systems engineering, with a focus on satellite or space-based communication systems
  • Hands-on experience with S-band, X-band, and UHF radio systems for satellite communication applications
  • Demonstrated experience in antenna design, simulation, and validation testing
  • Experience with ground station design, integration, and operations
  • Strong background in link budget analysis and communication system simulation
  • Experience selecting, architecting, and integrating COTS modem hardware, including component-level validation
  • Proficiency with wireless/RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and BERTs
  • Solid understanding of physical layer modem architecture and its interfaces to hardware and software systems
  • Experience performing communication system performance analysis, including throughput, latency, and error rate characterization
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex RF/communication system issues
  • Effective communicator able to collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
  • Familiarity with FCC certification processes and regulatory compliance requirements for RF transmitting equipment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in RF/Wireless Communications, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering
  • Experience with space-qualified or radiation-tolerant RF hardware design
  • Familiarity with modulation and coding schemes used in satellite communication (e.g., QPSK, OQPSK, LDPC, Reed-Solomon)
  • Experience with satellite communication standards and protocols (e.g., CCSDS)
  • Background in phased array or steerable antenna systems
  • Experience with RF simulation tools (Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent) and link budget/system simulation tools (STK, MATLAB/Simulink)
  • Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms
  • Experience supporting satellite mission operations or field deployment of ground station equipment
  • Direct experience leading FCC equipment authorization filings (e.g., Part 15, Part 25) or working with FCC-accredited test labs
  • Familiarity with international spectrum regulatory bodies (e.g., ITU, ETSI) for cross-border satellite communication licensing
  • Publications or patents related to satellite communication system design

Technical Skills & Tools
  • RF/EM simulation: Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent
  • Link budget & system simulation: STK, MATLAB/Simulink, or equivalent
  • Test & measurement: Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, BERTs
  • Modem/physical layer architecture and COTS component integration
  • Ground station RF and baseband equipment

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $182,000 - $243,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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