Systems Engineer (Space Communications Payload)

Launch Your Engineering Career to New Heights with a Leader in the Aviation & Aerospace Industry

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with an industry-leading aerospace and aviation organization to hire an experienced Systems Engineer in El Segundo, CA. If you're passionate about cutting-edge satellite communications, system architecture, and next-generation space technologies, this is your opportunity to contribute to mission-critical programs that shape the future of global connectivity, defense, and space exploration.

Location: El Segundo, CA

Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift (9:00 AM-5:30 PM)

Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (6-Month Assignment)

Pay Rate: Starting at $69.46 per hour

Make an Impact Beyond Earth

As a Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer, you'll join a high-performing engineering team responsible for developing advanced communication payloads and satellite systems for commercial, civil, and national security applications. From concept development and system design to launch support and on-orbit operations, you'll play a key role in delivering innovative space communications solutions that enable critical missions around the world.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside industry experts on some of the most complex and technologically advanced aerospace programs in development today.

What You'll Do

As a Systems Engineer, your responsibilities will include:

• Design and develop next-generation RF (Radio Frequency), digital, and optical satellite communication systems and payload architectures
  
• Support engineering trade studies and technical proposal development
  
• Define, allocate, and verify communication system, subsystem, and unit-level requirements and interfaces
  
• Perform system-level functional analyses, CONOPS development, and architecture decomposition
  
• Conduct RF and optical performance analyses to optimize system functionality
  
• Perform simulations and modeling of space communication systems, including:
  
  
  
  • Link analysis
    
  • Signal distortion analysis
    
  • Capacity modeling
    
  • Reliability assessments
    
  • Performance evaluations
    
  
  
  
• Develop analysis tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms
  
• Create and verify system algorithms that meet performance and operational requirements
  
• Oversee payload unit design and development activities performed by internal engineering teams and external suppliers
  
• Support system integration, validation, testing, troubleshooting, and verification
  
• Participate in design reviews and requirements sell-off activities
  
• Contribute throughout the complete program lifecycle, from concept studies through launch and on-orbit testing
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in:
  
  
  
  • Engineering
    
  • Engineering Technology
    
  • Computer Science
    
  • Data Science
    
  • Mathematics
    
  • Physics
    
  • Chemistry
    
  • Or a related technical field
    
  
  
  
• Experience or academic background in communications subsystems or communication technologies
  
• Experience or academic background with payload design, development, analysis, and/or verification
  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems engineering skills
  
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
  
• Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.
  
• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
  
   
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 9+ years of related professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  
• Master's degree with 7+ years of experience, or PhD with 4+ years of experience
  
• Experience working on satellite communications or space-based payload systems
  
• Knowledge of satellite and terrestrial RF and digital communications systems
  
• Understanding of antenna theory and communications architectures
  
• Experience with requirements development, allocation, verification, and validation
  
• Experience performing RF analyses, including:
  
  
  
  • G/T calculations
    
  • EIRP analysis
    
  • Gain/loss budgeting
    
  
  
  
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink
  
• Experience with C++ development
  
• Background supporting aerospace, defense, or national security programs
  

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect exceptional talent with organizations that are pushing the boundaries of innovation. In this role, you'll work on groundbreaking technologies that support space exploration, global communications, and mission-critical aerospace systems.

What You'll Gain:

• Competitive pay starting at $69.46 per hour
  
• Opportunity to contribute to next-generation satellite and space communication technologies
  
• Exposure to highly visible aerospace and defense programs
  
• Collaborative environment with world-class engineers and technical experts
  
• Challenging work that spans the entire system lifecycle
  
• Professional growth and advanced technical learning opportunities
  
• A culture that values innovation, teamwork, and engineering excellence
  
• The chance to help shape the future of communications in space
  

If you're looking for meaningful work that combines technical innovation with real-world impact, this opportunity offers an exciting path forward.

Ready to Launch Your Next Mission?

Bring your systems engineering expertise, passion for innovation, and commitment to excellence to a team that's building the future of space communications.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial as a Systems Engineer supporting a leader in the aerospace and aviation industry. Your next great challenge is waiting above the horizon.

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