Launch Your Space Systems Career. Engineer the Future of Satellite Communications.

Systems Engineer

Location: El Segundo, CA

Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (12-Month Assignment)

Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Pay Rate: Starting at $50.57 per hour

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading innovator in the aviation and space industry to hire a talented Systems Engineer with expertise in digital communications, modeling, simulation, and space systems analysis.

If you're passionate about satellite communications, advanced space architectures, and solving complex engineering challenges, this is your opportunity to contribute to next-generation technologies that are shaping the future of global connectivity, defense, and mission operations.

In this role, you'll support the development, analysis, and optimization of sophisticated space communication systems, helping engineers and stakeholders make critical decisions that drive mission success.

What You'll Do

As a Systems Engineer, you'll play a key role in analyzing, modeling, and optimizing advanced satellite communications and space architectures through innovative engineering and simulation techniques.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Space Communications Design & Analysis

• Model, design, and evaluate end-to-end communications systems, including:
  
  
  
  • Satellite waveforms
    
  • Ground and space communication hubs
    
  • Terminal networks
    
  
  
  
• Perform waveform, capacity, and communications performance analysis using advanced simulation tools.
  
• Analyze digital communication systems utilizing:
  
  
  
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
    
  • Modulation techniques
    
  • Forward Error Correction (FEC)
    
  • MILSATCOM and commercial waveform standards
    
  
  
  
• Conduct comprehensive link budget and link closure analyses under complex operational conditions, including interference, distortion, and contested environments.
  

System-of-Systems Trade Studies

• Perform constellation-level modeling and performance assessments across multi-vehicle architectures.
  
• Evaluate trade-offs involving:
  
  
  
  • Coverage
    
  • Throughput
    
  • Cost
    
  • Mission priority
    
  • Operational performance
    
  
  
  
• Support mission planning and optimization of constellation resources.
  

Resource Allocation & Mission Operations

• Analyze and optimize dynamic scheduling of:
  
  
  
  • RF bandwidth
    
  • Transmit power
    
  • Onboard data storage
    
  • Time-based mission resources
    
  
  
  
• Support development of efficient resource management strategies for satellite constellations.
  

Systems Engineering & Integration

• Translate complex subsystem requirements into actionable engineering solutions.
  
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support architecture development and system integration efforts.
  
• Contribute to requirements analysis and technical decision-making.
  

Software & Simulation Support

• Review, validate, and document simulation models and analytical software.
  
• Maintain code repositories and configuration management processes using Git and similar tools.
  
• Support continuous improvement of modeling and simulation frameworks.
  

Technical Visualization & Communication

• Develop impactful visualizations, dashboards, and analytical products.
  
• Present technical findings, recommendations, and trade study results to engineering teams and program stakeholders.
  
• Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and compelling manner.
  

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in:
  
  
  
  • Electrical Engineering
    
  • Computer Engineering
    
  • Aerospace Engineering
    
  • Or a related engineering discipline
    
  
  
  

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in:
  
  
  
  • Satellite communications
    
  • Systems engineering
    
  • Constellation design
    
  • Modeling, Simulation, & Analysis (MS&A)
    
  
  
  
• Experience conducting technical evaluations and engineering trade studies.
  
• Experience supporting space systems or communications-focused engineering programs.
  

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for engineering analysis and scientific computing.
  
• Strong understanding of:
  
  
  
  • Digital communications
    
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
    
  • RF communications systems
    
  
  
  
• Experience with communications modeling and simulation tools.
  
• Knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Link budgets
    
  • Coverage analysis
    
  • Orbital visibility assessments
    
  • Beam pattern analysis
    
  
  
  
• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex technical data.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with both Python and MATLAB.
  
• Experience supporting U.S. Government SATCOM, sensing systems, or related space programs.
  
• Knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Resource scheduling algorithms
    
  • Mission planning frameworks
    
  • Optimization methodologies
    
  
  
  
• Experience developing or enhancing custom modeling and simulation tools.
  
• Familiarity with:
  
  
  
  • Git
    
  • GitLab
    
  • CI/CD workflows
    
  
  
  
• Experience creating advanced engineering visualizations, animations, or mission-planning graphics.
  
• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
  
• Experience working in aerospace, aviation, defense, or space technology environments.
  

What Makes You Successful

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Passion for innovation and emerging space technologies.
  
• Exceptional systems-thinking mindset.
  
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
  
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to technical excellence.
  
• Attention to detail when evaluating complex engineering systems and mission requirements.
  

Why Join Us?

Work on Cutting-Edge Space Technologies

Help develop and evaluate next-generation satellite communications systems that support critical missions and future aerospace innovation.

Be Part of Meaningful Engineering Challenges

Your work will directly influence architecture decisions, mission planning strategies, and advanced communications capabilities.

Competitive Compensation

Earn a starting pay rate of $50.57 per hour while gaining valuable experience with industry-leading technologies and programs.

Grow Your Technical Expertise

Collaborate with experienced engineers, analysts, and technical leaders who are solving some of the most challenging problems in space systems engineering.

Collaborative Culture

PDS Tech Commercial values innovation, teamwork, continuous learning, and professional development. You'll be empowered to contribute ideas, expand your skills, and make a measurable impact.

Career-Building Opportunity

This 12-month consulting assignment provides exposure to advanced engineering programs that can accelerate your career in aerospace, aviation, and space systems.

Ready to Engineer What's Next?

If you're excited by satellite communications, advanced modeling and simulation, and the opportunity to help shape the future of space systems, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial in supporting the next generation of aviation and space innovation. Your expertise could help power the missions of tomorrow.



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.                                               

 

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