ispace, inc.

R&D Communications Engineer

ispace, inc.  •  Tokyo, JP (Hybrid)  •  1 month ago
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Job Description

As the advanced research & development (ARD) Communications Engineer, you will  participate in two types of ARD projects:
1) new technology development/demonstration and
2) next generation lunar transportation, infrastructure, and resource utilization system architecture creation from initial concept to system preliminary design level.
The engineer will join a multidisciplinary conceptual design team and perform RF and Optical Communications tradespace modeling—with Python‑based analytical tools—as part of our modeling workflow. They will help integrate R&D communication subsystem technologies into future lander, orbiter, and rover missions for validation and commercial deployment.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team and work closely with the engineering teams in Japan, EU, and US, and you will contribute to the company’s R&D direction  set by the CTO.
#LI-Hybrid

Key responsibilities

  •  Define, analyze, and evaluate RF and Optical Communications subsystem architectures for future ispace missions, including equipment selection, on‑board and ground‑segment trade studies, and full RF link‑budget evaluations for space‑to‑ground, ground‑to‑space, and space‑to‑space links.
  •  Develop and maintain Python‑based analytical models for tradespace exploration, subsystem sizing, and architecture evaluation.
  •  Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across global ispace offices to support conceptual system design and early mission architecture development.
  •  Take proactive technical leadership in communications-focused R&D tasks and maintain clear, traceable code and documentation of assumptions, models, and results.
  •  Support and contribute to communications-related R&D projects, including technology demonstrations and customer-focused development activities.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bsc. or Masters degree / experience in the RF/optical communications fields in the context of spacecraft design
  •  Five or more years of relevant experience with RF and/or Optical communications system analysis, link‑budget creation, tradeoff between bands, modulations, coding, impact on BER, etc.
  •  3 years of relevant modelling programming languages (Python: NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, or alternatively strong experience in matlab).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience on interoperable nodes constellation design (intersatellite link, PNT, communication coverage)
  • Experience with modelling and optmization tools (GMAT, STK, link budget simulation libs, etc)
  • Experience as systems engineering applying the Model Based Systems Engineering approach
  • Understanding of communications regulations (ITU, SFCG, etc.).
  • Ability to work in fast‑paced, ambiguous conceptual environments and take proactive technical ownership.
ispace, inc.

About ispace, inc.

ispace, a global lunar resource development company with the vision, “Expand our planet. Expand our future.”, specializes in designing and building lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon. Toward that vision, we aim to build an economic zone between the Earth and the Moon (cislunar) through the commercialization of lunar surface development.

In 2022, we launched our first mission to the Moon. It was the culmination of years of hard work and our first step towards extending human life into outer space. Mission 2, launched in 2025, was the second and final mission of the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program and featured the RESILIENCE lunar lander carrying the TENACIOUS micro rover, navigating deep space and entering lunar orbit before attempting to land on the Moon. With the completion of the R&D Phase, ispace moves forward, taking the lessons learned from Mission 1 and Mission 2, and transitioning into its “Early Commercialization Phase" with Missions 3 & 4 currently in development.

ispace has business entities in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States with more than 300 employees worldwide.

Industry
Aviation & Aerospace
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Tokyo, JP
Year Founded
Unknown
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