Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial, in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer for a 12-month consulting contract. You will model, design, and analyze end-to-end space communication systems, evaluate waveforms and ground networks, and conduct mission-level trade studies to optimize performance and resilience.

The role requires a strong foundation in DSP and digital communications, plus experience with Python or MATLAB and RF/digital simulation tools.

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/space systems design, link budget development and analysis, coverage analysis, beam pattern synthesis, and orbital visibility assessments.
• Experience conducting engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to present complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Model, design, and analyze end-to-end communications systems for advanced space architectures.
• Evaluate waveforms, terminal networks, ground systems, and space communication hubs using simulation tools.
• Apply DSP principles and modulation schemes, FEC, and related techniques.
• Perform link budget and closure analyses considering interference and system constraints.
• Analyze MILSATCOM and commercial waveform families such as PTW, DVB-S2/S2X, and W-CDMA.
• Conduct constellation-level trade studies and optimization across multi-satellite architectures.
• Translate subsystem requirements into actionable analyses and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

DSP fundamentals

Digital communications

Python

MATLAB

Modeling & simulation tools

Satellite communications

Systems engineering

Trade studies

Communication of results

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Electrical/ Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

Requirements

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

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Pay Details

$69.46 per hour

Benefit offerings

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.