Systems Engineer 4

Engineering

Systems Engineer 4 El Segundo, CA Posted: 9/16/2026

Job Description

Job ID#:

225549

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Duration:

52

Positions Available:

2

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer 4, in El Segundo, CA. Job ID#225549

Pay Rate: $94 - $99/hr

Job Description:

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.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor s or Master s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Education / Experience: Bachelor's 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.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

Top Secret

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit or

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled