Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer 5
Now hiring: Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer 5 in El Segundo, CA — 6-month contract via CTS International at $127/Hour. Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance. US Citizenship Required.
Company Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Space and Launch Division, seeks a Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer to join the Payload Systems Engineering team in El Segundo, California.
The Space Communications Payload Systems Engineering Team develops next-generation payload products and services in partnership with our commercial, government, and proprietary customers. Our team drives all facets of engineering from technology investment, concept development, proposal writing, requirement development, RF and digital payload design, test, verification, and demonstration of products in their relevant environments.
The Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer is part of a high-performing team that is immersed in highly complex development projects. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to design, develop, and deliver state-of-the-art communication systems for space-based applications for commercial, civil and/or national security programs. This position will work with a highly motivated team that works with domestic or international customers on their latest satellite systems. This role’s assignments typically span the complete program life cycle, from internal trades, concept studies and system definition, to satellite development, launch, and on-orbit operations and test.
Position Responsibilities:
• Design and develop next generation RF (Radio Frequency), digital, and/or optical satellite communications systems and payload architectures
• Support trade studies and generate proposals
• Define and verify space communication unit, subsystem and system requirements and interfaces
• Perform system-level CONOPS development, functional analysis, RF and Optical performance analysis and decomposition
• Support system-level integration and validation
• Perform analyses and simulations for space communication systems, including: link analysis, signal distortion, system capacity, reliability, and performance
• Develop analysis tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms
• Develop and verify system algorithms that meet functional and performance requirements
• Oversee the design and build of satellite RF and digital payload units from internal teams and external suppliers that meet defined requirements and interfaces
• Perform design reviews and requirements sell-off
• Perform system test preparation, execution, troubleshooting, and verification
Required Skills:
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
• 5 years of related work experience
• Experience or an academic background with communications subsystems or units
• Experience or an academic background with payload design, analysis, development, and/or verification
Preferred Skills:
• 14+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working on satellite or space-based payloads
• Experience with satellite or terrestrial RF and digital communications systems and antenna theory
• Experience with requirements definition and verification
• Experience with RF analyses such as G/T, EIRP, gain-loss
• Experience with Matlab/Simulink and C++
Bachelor's degree with 14 or more years' experience, Master's degreee with 12 or more years' experience or PhD with 9 or more years' experience. Bachelor, Master or Doctorate of Science degree from an accredited course of study, in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry.
Job Location: El Segundo, CA
Rate: Up to $127.00/Hour
Duration: 6+ months
Start Date: ASAP
Input Date: 09/08/2026
Address: 160 NW GILMAN BLVD STE 250
City, State: ISSAQUAH, WA 98027
Phone: 425/451-0051
Fax Phone: 425/635-7630
Email: cjhunter@ctsinternational.com
Website: www.ctsinternational.com
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