Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 4

Cts Technology Solutions, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & vision

401(k) + Roth

HSA access

Paid holidays

Direct deposit

Referral bonus

Job summary

CTS Technology Solutions, Inc. seeks a Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer to support modeling, simulation, and analysis for next-generation space systems in El Segundo, CA.

You will perform waveform, link, and capacity analyses and lead system-of-systems trade studies. Requires 2–5 years of experience in satellite communications, DSP, and simulation tools; strong communication skills and ability to present technical results to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 2–5 years of relevant engineering experience in satellite communications, constellation design, systems engineering, or MS&A.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Strong foundation in digital communications and DSP fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience using modeling and simulation tools for RF and digital communications analysis.
• Familiarity with space system design concepts, link budgets, coverage analysis, beam pattern synthesis, and orbital visibility assessments.
• Demonstrated experience conducting system-of-systems trade studies and technical evaluations.
• Proven ability to synthesize and present complex technical results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Model, design, and analyze end-to-end communications systems using purpose-built simulation tools.
• Apply DSP and digital communications principles, including modulations and FEC for MILSATCOM and commercial systems.
• Perform link budget and analysis accounting for interference and environmental effects.
• Conduct constellation-level trade studies and optimize resource scheduling for space architectures.
• Translate constraints into actionable engineering trades and support architecture decisions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

System engineering

Trade studies

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Simulation tools

Git/GitLab

Job description

Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 4

Takes about 3 minutes. No account required.

Overview

Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance. US Citizenship Required.

We are seeking a Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 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.

12+ months — possible extension and possible FTE opportunity.

What you'll need

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.

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.

What CTS provides on eligible assignments

3 medical plans Dental & vision HSA access 401(k) + Roth 6 paid holidays * +40 hrs every 2,000 hours * Direct deposit Referral bonus

* Benefits and eligibility vary based on assignment,work location, employment classification and plan requirements.