Launch the Future of Space Communications

Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer | Up to $69.46/Hour | El Segundo, CA

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation and aerospace industry to find an innovative Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer who is ready to help shape the next generation of space-based communications systems. If you're passionate about satellite communications, advanced modeling and simulation, and solving complex engineering challenges, this is your opportunity to contribute to mission-critical programs that are redefining what's possible in space.

Position Details

• Job Title: Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer
  
• Location: El Segundo, CA
  
• Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (12-Month Contract)
  
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
  
• Pay Rate: Starting at $69.46 per hour
  

Make an Impact Beyond the Horizon

As a Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer, you'll support the development and analysis of next-generation satellite and space communication architectures. Your expertise will help optimize mission performance, improve communications resiliency, and support critical decision-making through advanced modeling, simulation, and engineering analysis.

In this role, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate complex space systems, conduct constellation-level trade studies, and develop innovative solutions that advance both commercial and government space missions.

What You'll Do

Space Communications Design & Analysis

• Model, design, and analyze end-to-end communications systems for advanced space architectures.
  
• Evaluate waveforms, terminal networks, ground systems, and space communication hubs using purpose-built simulation tools.
  
• Apply Digital Signal Processing (DSP) principles and digital communications techniques, including modulation schemes and Forward Error Correction (FEC).
  
• Perform comprehensive link budget and closure analyses, accounting for interference, nonlinear distortions, jamming environments, and system constraints.
  
• Analyze MILSATCOM and commercial communications waveform families, including PTW, DVB-S2/S2X, and W-CDMA.
  

System-of-Systems Trade Studies & Optimization

• Conduct constellation-level performance assessments and trade studies across complex multi-satellite architectures.
  
• Evaluate trade-offs involving cost, throughput, coverage, mission priorities, and operational effectiveness.
  
• Develop solutions for dynamic allocation of critical resources, including RF bandwidth, transmit power, onboard storage, and mission scheduling.
  

Requirements Development & System Integration

• Translate subsystem requirements and constraints into actionable engineering analyses and optimization models.
  
• Collaborate with systems, software, communications, and mission operations teams to ensure accurate system representations.
  
• Support architecture development and engineering decision-making through rigorous technical analysis.
  

Modeling, Software Quality & Visualization

• Review and validate simulation models, algorithms, and analytical code.
  
• Utilize configuration management tools such as Git and GitLab to support collaborative development efforts.
  
• Create impactful visualizations, dashboards, mission graphics, and technical presentations that clearly communicate findings and recommendations.
  
• Present technical analyses and trade study results to engineering teams, program leaders, and key stakeholders.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  
• 2-5 years of relevant experience in satellite communications, systems engineering, constellation design, modeling and simulation, or related aerospace applications.
  
• Strong knowledge of digital communications and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) fundamentals.
  
• Proficiency with Python or MATLAB for scientific computing, modeling, and data analysis.
  
• Experience using modeling and simulation tools for RF and digital communications analysis.
  
• Familiarity with:
  
  
  
  • Satellite and space systems design
    
  • Link budget development and analysis
    
  • Coverage analysis
    
  • Beam pattern synthesis
    
  • Orbital visibility assessments
    
  
  
  
• Experience conducting engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  
• Ability to clearly present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 9+ years of experience, Master's degree with 7+ years of experience, or PhD with 4+ years of experience in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or a related technical field.
  
• Proficiency in both Python and MATLAB.
  
• Experience supporting U.S. Government satellite communications (SATCOM) or sensing systems.
  
• Knowledge of constellation resource scheduling, mission planning algorithms, and optimization frameworks.
  
• Experience developing, extending, or modernizing custom modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) tools and pipelines.
  
• Proficiency with Git/GitLab and modern collaborative software development workflows.
  
• Experience producing advanced mission visualizations, animations, dashboards, or decision-support tools.
  
• Background supporting aerospace, aviation, defense, or space exploration programs.
  

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect exceptional engineering talent with companies that are driving innovation in aviation and aerospace. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of space communications technology while contributing to projects that have a lasting impact on national security, global connectivity, and the future of space operations.

What You'll Gain

• Competitive pay starting at $69.46 per hour
  
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge satellite and space communication systems
  
• Access to challenging, high-visibility aerospace programs
  
• Collaboration with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical leaders
  
• Exposure to advanced modeling, simulation, and system engineering methodologies
  
• Professional development through meaningful, mission-driven work
  
• A culture built on innovation, teamwork, technical excellence, and continuous learning
  

Ready to Help Shape the Next Generation of Space Systems?

If you're a driven engineer with a passion for digital communications, satellite systems, and solving complex technical challenges, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial in developing the technologies that will power the future of space communications, mission operations, and aerospace innovation.



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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