Systems Engineer 4

Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer

We are seeking a talented Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer to support the modeling, simulation, analysis, and optimization of next-generation space communication architectures. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about satellite communications, digital signal processing, mission operations, and advanced space systems analysis. You will work alongside multidisciplinary teams to evaluate complex space-based networks, conduct system trade studies, and develop innovative solutions that enhance mission performance across commercial and government space programs.

Key Responsibilities

Space Communications Engineering & Analysis

• Design, model, and analyze end-to-end satellite communication systems, including space, ground, and user segment architectures.
• Perform waveform, capacity, coverage, and network performance analyses using advanced simulation and analytical tools.
• Apply digital communications and signal processing principles, including modulation schemes, Forward Error Correction (FEC), and industry-standard waveforms such as DVB-S2/S2X, PTW, and W-CDMA.
• Conduct detailed link budget and link closure analyses, accounting for interference, nonlinear effects, jamming environments, and mission-specific operational constraints.
• Evaluate communications performance across diverse orbital and mission scenarios.

System-of-Systems Analysis & Optimization

• Execute constellation-level trade studies to assess performance, coverage, throughput, and operational effectiveness.
• Analyze and optimize resource allocation across large-scale space architectures, including RF spectrum, transmit power, onboard storage, and scheduling priorities.
• Support mission planning activities through quantitative modeling and performance forecasting.
• Develop optimization strategies that balance technical performance, operational requirements, and program objectives.

Systems Engineering & Integration

• Translate complex subsystem interactions and constraints into actionable engineering analyses and design recommendations.
• Collaborate with communications, software, aerospace, and systems engineering teams to ensure high-fidelity modeling and simulation accuracy.
• Contribute to architecture development, requirements definition, and system performance assessments.

Software Development & Model Validation

• Develop, maintain, validate, and enhance simulation tools, analytical models, and engineering software applications.
• Review and verify modeling assumptions, algorithms, and analytical results to ensure technical accuracy.
• Support software configuration management and collaborative development environments using Git, GitLab, and modern development practices.

Data Visualization & Technical Communication

• Create impactful visualizations, interactive dashboards, and mission performance presentations to communicate complex technical data.
• Present engineering analyses, recommendations, and trade study results to technical and program stakeholders.
• Develop graphical products and mission concept visualizations that support decision-making and customer engagements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong background in digital communications and Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
• Experience in satellite communications, systems engineering, space systems analysis, constellation design, or modeling and simulation.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for scientific computing, modeling, and data analysis.
• Understanding of RF communications, link budgets, coverage analysis, orbital visibility, and space system performance evaluation.
• Experience conducting technical trade studies and analyzing complex engineering systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in both Python and MATLAB, including software development best practices.
• Experience with government or commercial SATCOM systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of constellation resource management, mission planning, and optimization algorithms.
• Experience developing, extending, or modernizing modeling and simulation frameworks.
• Familiarity with Git, GitLab, CI/CD workflows, and collaborative software development environments.
• Experience creating advanced technical visualizations, animations, or mission analysis products for space programs.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree with 9+ years of relevant experience, or
• Master's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or
• Ph.D. with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or a related STEM discipline from an accredited institution.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements.