Okay, I've searched for Principal Network Systems Engineer roles in Austin, TX, full-time, requiring 10+ years of systems engineering experience, U.S. citizenship, and expertise in space communication systems. I have found 27 positions that match your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Principal Network Systems Engineer I role at CesiumAstro is fundamentally about architecting and developing advanced networking systems tailored for space and airborne communication platforms. This role demands a seasoned engineer with deep expertise in networking architectures—including routers, switches, and protocols—who can navigate the complexities of space-based network constraints and performance demands. The candidate must excel at bridging hardware and software design to ensure seamless link, network, and transport layer integration. Given the company's focus on cutting-edge phased array communications, the engineer will face technical challenges such as developing robust operational concepts for dynamic, heterogeneous networks subject to strict export controls and regulatory compliance. Success means not only delivering technically sound designs but also driving cross-disciplinary collaboration among hardware, firmware, and software teams while effectively liaising with customers to translate mission requirements into viable network solutions. The role entails high autonomy with sophisticated problem-solving—balancing protocol-level nuance, performance optimization, and security considerations like cyber architecture—while employing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to streamline complex system definition and validation.

Company Analysis:

CesiumAstro operates at the forefront of aerospace communications technology, serving both commercial and defense markets with sophisticated satellite and airborne payloads. Positioned as an innovative startup with a dynamic and cross-functional culture, the company values forward-thinking, autonomy, and hands-on problem-solving. This environment offers a unique blend of rapid innovation balanced with the rigor required by government regulations and mission-critical defense applications. For a Principal Network Systems Engineer, this means working in a culture that encourages collaboration, technical ownership, and continuous learning while delivering cutting-edge solutions under operational constraints. The company’s strategic emphasis on integrated communications subsystems and multi-domain applications aligns closely with this role’s focus on managing complex network architectures and ensuring seamless subsystem interoperability. Given CesiumAstro’s growth trajectory and global footprint, the engineer will likely operate as a key technical influencer with visibility across teams and possibly leadership, contributing directly to the company’s mission to pioneer next-generation space communication capabilities.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Tell me about a time when you had to define a complex network architecture for a constrained environment. How did you balance performance requirements with system limitations?
• Describe an experience where you coordinated across hardware, firmware, and software teams to drive the implementation of a network system. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Can you give an example of how you applied MBSE tools like SysML or Cameo in designing or communicating a systems architecture?
• Tell me about a situation where you had to navigate ambiguous requirements from a customer or stakeholder. How did you clarify and deliver on their needs?
• How would you approach developing hardware and software requirements for a space-based router or switch subsystem? What key factors must be considered?
• Explain your experience with networking protocols such as MPLS, SNMP, and NETCONF/YANG in the context of aerospace or space communication systems.
• What methodologies would you employ to perform a communications subsystem trade analysis and verify requirements allocation?
• Have you worked with network modeling or emulation tools like EMANE or CORE? How did you leverage them to validate network behavior and design decisions?
• Imagine you discover a mismatch between the cybersecurity architecture requirements and the physical interfaces of your communications system during integration testing. What steps would you take to address this?
• If a newly developed network element exhibits intermittent performance issues during the lab test phase, how would you systematically troubleshoot and resolve these issues?
• Why are you interested in contributing your expertise at CesiumAstro specifically, given our focus on space and airborne communications?
• How do you see your personal work style aligning with CesiumAstro’s startup culture and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration?
• What excites you most about developing phased arrays and advanced communication subsystems for space and aerospace applications?
• Can you describe how you stay current with emerging trends and advances in space communications protocols and networking technologies?
• What questions do you have about how CesiumAstro approaches system engineering challenges or integrates network architecture with other subsystems?