Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 4
Chipton-Ross is seeking 2 Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 4's for a contract opportunity in El Segundo, CA.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE):
-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.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE):
-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.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 9 or more years' experience, Master's with 7 or more years' experience or PhD with 4 or more years' experience. Bachelor, Master or Doctorate of Science degree from an accredited course of study, in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry.
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.
Domestic travel required. Less than 10%.
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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