DSP Algorithms Engineer – Satellite Communications

ACL Digital; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

ACL Digital in El Segundo, CA seeks a Senior/Lead DSP Algorithms Engineer to design, develop, and validate space-based satellite communication payloads. You will drive RF/digital system work from concept to in-orbit operations.

The role requires 5+ years in core DSP and digital communications, MATLAB/Simulink expertise, and HDL/FPGA/ASIC collaboration. On-site shift and U.S. residency are expected for defense programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of core digital communications and signal processing theory (equalization, Turbo/Viterbi coding/decoding, channel estimation)
• 3+ years with MATLAB or Simulink
• 3+ years Systems Engineering: requirements, architecture, trade studies and verification
• 1+ years Hardware Integration with FPGAs/ASICs
• Must be a U.S. Person for export compliance

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation RF and digital satellite communication systems.
• Develop, model, and verify multi-rate, fixed-point DSP algorithms.
• Perform detailed trade studies, system design, performance analysis, and waveform characterization.
• Support HDL-level design/verification and work with FPGAs or ASICs.
• Assist in integration and testing of payloads and spacecraft from unit level through in-orbit deployment.
• Lead engineering teams and IR&D initiatives.

Skills

DSP algorithms

Digital communications theory

Fixed-point DSP

System modeling

HDL integration awareness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

FPGA/ASIC knowledge

Job description

Job Title: DSP Algorithms Engineer - Satellite Communications

Duration: 12 Months (Possible Extension)

Pay Rate: $118/hr on W2

Work Logistics: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

Position Overview

Seeking a Senior/Lead DSP Algorithms Engineer to support the design, development, and validation of space-based satellite communication payloads for commercial, civil, and national defense programs in El Segundo, CA. This role spans the entire unit lifecycle - from concept studies and waveform development to satellite unit integration, testing, and in-orbit operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation RF and digital satellite communication systems.
• Develop, model, and verify multi-rate, fixed-point digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms.
• Perform detailed trade studies, system design, performance analysis, and waveform characterization.
• Support HDL-level design/verification and work closely with FPGAs or ASICs.
• Assist in integration and testing of payloads and spacecraft from unit level through in-orbit deployment.
• Lead engineering teams and Internal Research & Development (IR&D) initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Data Science, or related technical field.
• DSP & Communications Theory: 5+ years of experience in core digital communications and signal processing theory (equalization, Turbo/Viterbi coding/decoding, channel estimation, filter design, resampling theory).
• Modeling Tools: 3+ years of hands-on experience with MATLAB or Simulink.
• Systems Engineering: 3+ years of experience defining requirements, allocation, system architecture, trade design, and verification.
• Hardware Integration: 1+ years of experience working with FPGAs or ASICs.
• Export Compliance: Must be a U.S. Person.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, waveform generators, spectrum analyzers).
• Prior leadership experience guiding cross-functional engineering teams.
• 14+ years of relevant industry/work experience.