Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 2
Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 2 — 12-month onsite contract in El Segundo, CA at $68/Hour — through CTS International. Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance. US Citizenship Required.
We are seeking a Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer (2–5 years of experience) to support modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) for next-generation space systems in El Segundo, CA.
In this role, you will perform waveform, link, and capacity analyses, execute system-of-systems trade studies, and apply digital communications and satellite mission operations expertise to evaluate and optimize advanced space architectures.
Key Responsibilities
Space Communications Design & Analysis
Model, design, and analyze end-to-end communications systems, including waveforms, terminal networks, and ground/space hubs using purpose-built simulation tools.
Apply Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and digital communications principles, including modulations, Forward Error Correction (FEC), and standard waveform families for MILSATCOM and commercial systems (e.g., PTW, DVB-S2/S2X, W-CDMA).
Perform detailed link budget and closure analyses accounting for nonlinear distortion, adjacent-channel/self-interference, intentional jamming, and advanced threat environments.
System-of-Systems Trades & Resource Scheduling
Conduct constellation-level trade studies and performance analyses across multi-vehicle space architectures.
Evaluate multi-variable trade-offs (cost, priority, coverage, throughput) for constellation mission operations.
Optimize dynamic allocation and scheduling of constellation resources, including time, RF bandwidth, transmit power, and onboard data storage.
Subsystem Integration & Requirements Analysis
Translate multi-subsystem constraints into actionable engineering trades and optimization models.
Partner with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-fidelity system representations and drive architecture decisions.
Software Quality & Configuration Management
Review, validate, and document simulation models and analytical codebases.
Maintain version control and collaborative development workflows using modern configuration management tools (e.g., Git/GitLab).
Technical Visualization & Communication
Build high-impact visualizations, including interactive dashboards, dynamic data graphics, and mission concept videos.
Present simulation findings and technical trade-offs clearly to stakeholders to inform critical program decisions.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience: 2–5 years of relevant engineering experience in satellite communications, constellation design, systems engineering, or MS&A.
Programming: Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for scientific computing and data analysis.
Domain Knowledge: Strong foundation in digital communications and digital signal processing (DSP) fundamentals.
Analytical Tooling: Hands-on experience using modeling and simulation tools for RF and digital communications analysis.
Space Systems & Analysis: Familiarity with space system design concepts, link budgets, coverage analysis, beam pattern synthesis, and orbital visibility assessments.
Trade Studies: Demonstrated experience conducting system-of-systems trade studies and technical evaluations.
Communication: Proven ability to synthesize and present complex technical results clearly.
Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency in both Python and MATLAB, including modern software development practices.
Direct experience modeling US Government satellite communications (SATCOM) or sensing systems.
Experience with constellation-level resource scheduling, mission planning algorithms, or optimization frameworks.
Experience developing, extending, or refactoring custom MS&A simulation engines and pipelines.
Proficiency with Git/GitLab version control and collaborative CI/CD workflows.
Experience producing advanced technical visualization and animation assets for space missions.
Bachelor's degree and typically 2 or more years' experience in an engineering classification or a Master's degree with experience in an engineering classification. Required: Bachelor or Master degree from an accredited course of study, in engineering, com
Job Location: El Segundo, CA
Rate: Up to $68.00/Hour
Duration: 12+ months
Start Date: ASAP
Input Date: 09/15/2026
Last Updated: 09/15/2026
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
ContractJobHunter Home Page