Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 4
Chipton-Ross is seeking a Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer (Level 4) for a contract opportunity in El Segundo, CA
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE):
Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience: 25 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..
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
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. Duties may include (but are not limited to):
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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE):
Experience developing custom FPGA IP, working with High-Level Synthesis (HLS), or interfacing with custom hardware peripherals.
Experience with high-speed serial protocols and network communications (10GbE, PCIe, Aurora, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553).
Experience building real-time data streaming and command-and-control (C2) visualization tools for space or aerospace test systems.
Familiarity with CI/CD build pipelines, automated testing, and containerized workflows (Docker) for embedded targets.
Demonstrated technical leadership during complex hardware/software integration campaigns.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline (e.g. Bachelor's and 9 or more years' experience, Master's with 7 or more years' experience or PhD with 4 or more years' experience). In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.
TRAVEL:
Domestic travel, less than 10%.
WORK HOURS:
FULL TIME/FIRST SHIFT; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ADDITIONAL:
Applicants responding to this position will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements by currently possessing the ability to view classified government information.
Job Location: El Segundo, CA
Rate: Up to $105.24 DOE
Duration: 12 Months
Input Date: 09/16/2026
Attention: Rochelle Anderson
Address: 420 CULVER BLVD
City, State: PLAYA DEL REY, CA 90293
Phone: 310/414-7800 X286
800 Phone: 800/927-9318
Fax Phone: 310/414-7808
Email: randerson@chiptonross.com
Website: www.chiptonross.com
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