Antenna Control Systems Engineer

About the Role

The Antenna Control Systems Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and integration of control systems for advanced full-motion ground station antennas and related equipment. This early-career role involves working closely with experienced engineers to solve real-world engineering challenges in satellite communications and precision motion-control systems. You will gain hands-on experience with motion control, embedded systems, motors, servo drives, and antenna tracking systems while contributing throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in electrical requirements, functional, and performance analysis for electrical components, equipment, and systems.
• Design and develop electrical and control systems for full-motion ground station antennas and related equipment.
• Design, integrate, and test analog and digital electronics, wiring, harnesses, and connectorization for servo and RF systems.
• Develop, tune, and troubleshoot PID control loops and embedded C applications for motion-control systems.
• Support the development and documentation of electrical and control system architectures using CAN bus or similar communication protocols.
• Integrate and test brushless DC motors, servo drives, encoders, and other motion-control components.
• Perform system modeling, simulation, testing, data analysis, and troubleshooting to evaluate system performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary personnel to integrate and support electrical and control systems.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Review customer requirements, design proposals, and specifications to assess feasibility.
• Select components and equipment based on technical specifications and product requirements.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including schematics and test procedures.
• Support engineering projects from concept through production and field installation.
• Plan engineering tasks, coordinate with work groups, and communicate technical status.
• Work on problems of moderate scope under general supervision and interact with external customers.
• During initial onboarding, focus on documentation, review manuals, and observe testing to learn products and systems.
• Support onsite installation, testing, troubleshooting, and customer interface activities when traveling.
• Read and interpret coding and backend files to collaborate with software engineers on motor controller interactions.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of engineering experience; recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Working knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, principles, theories, and processes.
• Foundational understanding of control systems, electrical circuits, electronics, and/or embedded systems.
• Familiarity with C or embedded C programming, including the ability to read code and understand backend files.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Basic understanding of motors, servo systems, sensors, and feedback control.
• Familiarity with CAN bus or other communication protocols; CAN bus and CANopen experience is a strong plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and learn new technologies quickly.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, typically 25-40% of the year.
• Strong interpersonal and soft skills, including an outgoing and professional demeanor.

Skills to Give You a Leg-Up

• Hands-on experience through academic projects, internships, coops, robotics, laboratory work, or personal projects involving motors, controls, embedded systems, electronics, or automation.
• Experience with engineering software, simulation tools, or laboratory test equipment.
• Exposure to brushless DC motors, servo drives, PID control, motion control, or antenna tracking systems.
• Familiarity with CAN bus, CANopen, or similar communication protocols beyond basic coursework.
• Previous experience with direct and analog circuitry.
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is preferred for more advanced responsibilities and growth potential.
• Internship experience in a relevant engineering environment is a significant plus.
• Ability to stand up in formal design reviews and present documentation confidently.
• Comfort representing the engineering organization to customers in the field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.

Work Environment

• Dynamic engineering environment focused on advanced ground station antenna systems.
• Initial ~90 days spent in the office under Sr. engineers' guidance, focusing on documentation and observation.
• Majority of technical work involves digital electronics and control systems, with some analog circuitry exposure.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously.
• Travel expected: domestic and international, typically 2-6 weeks at a time, around 25-40% per year.
• Travel workdays: often 10 hours/day, up to 6 days/week.
• Culture values collaboration, continuous learning, and new ideas.
• Emphasis on strong soft skills and professional customer interface.
• Typical engineering office and lab attire is appropriate.

Job Type & Location

• Permanent position based out of Plano, TX.
• Fully onsite position in Plano, TX.

Pay and Benefits

• Pay range: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00/yr.
• Personal Time Off (PTO) starting at 18 days per year.
• 8 paid holidays and up to 2 paid floating holidays.
• Eligibility for 401(k) participation is immediate.
• Company matching contributions available after one year of employment.