Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer (Associate, Experienced, or Lead)

Boeing; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Space and Launch Division in El Segundo, California seeks a Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer at Associate, Experienced, or Lead level (Level 2-4). You will design, develop, and deliver next‑gen RF/digital/optical payloads for space-based systems, collaborating with domestic and international customers through full program life cycle.

The role spans requirements, trades, design reviews, and system verification, with opportunities for growth as

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or related field.
• US Citizenship required for security clearance; ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance.
• Experience or academic background in communications subsystems/units.
• Experience or academic background in payload design, analysis, development, verification.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next generation RF, digital, and/or optical satellite communications systems and payload architectures.
• Support trade studies and generate proposals.
• Define and verify space communication unit, subsystem and system requirements and interfaces.
• Perform system-level CONOPS development, functional analysis, RF and Optical performance analysis and decomposition.
• Support system-level integration and validation.
• Perform analyses and simulations for space communication systems (link analysis, distortion, capacity, reliability).
• Develop analysis tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms.
• Develop and verify system algorithms meeting requirements.
• Oversee design and build of satellite RF/digital payload units with internal/external teams.
• Perform design reviews and requirements sell-off.
• Perform system test preparation, execution, troubleshooting, verification.

Skills

Communications subsystems/units

Payload design/analysis/verification

Satellite/space payload experience

RF & digital communications systems

Requirements definition & verification

RF analyses (G/T, EIRP, gain-loss)

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Engineering Technology/related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Job description

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Space and Launch Division, seeks a Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer (Associate, Experienced, or Lead) - (Level 2, 3, or 4) to join the Payload Systems Engineering team in El Segundo, California.

The Space Communications Payload Systems Engineering Team develops next-generation payload products and services in partnership with our commercial, government, and proprietary customers. Our team drives all facets of engineering from technology investment, concept development, proposal writing, requirement development, RF and digital payload design, test, verification, and demonstration of products in their relevant environments.

The Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer is part of a high-performing team that is immersed in highly complex development projects. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to design, develop, and deliver state-of-the-art communication systems for space-based applications for commercial, civil and/or national security programs. This position will work with a highly motivated team that works with domestic or international customers on their latest satellite systems. This role’s assignments typically span the complete program life cycle, from internal trades, concept studies and system definition, to satellite development, launch, and on-orbit operations and test.

Our team is currently hiring for a broad range of experience levels including experienced, lead and senior level engineers.

Position Responsibilities

• Design and develop next generation RF (Radio Frequency), digital, and/or optical satellite communications systems and payload architectures
• Support trade studies and generate proposals
• Define and verify space communication unit, subsystem and system requirements and interfaces
• Perform system-level CONOPS development, functional analysis, RF and Optical performance analysis and decomposition
• Support system-level integration and validation
• Perform analyses and simulations for space communication systems, including: link analysis, signal distortion, system capacity, reliability, and performance
• Develop analysis tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms
• Develop and verify system algorithms that meet functional and performance requirements
• Oversee the design and build of satellite RF and digital payload units from internal teams and external suppliers that meet defined requirements and interfaces
• Perform design reviews and requirements sell-off
• Perform system test preparation, execution, troubleshooting, and verification

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience)

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required
• Experience or an academic background with communications subsystems or units
• Experience or an academic background with payload design, analysis, development, and/or verification

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Level 3: 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Level 4: 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working on satellite or space-based payloads
• Experience with satellite or terrestrial RF and digital communications systems and antenna theory
• Experience with requirements definition and verification
• Experience with RF analyses such as G/T, EIRP, gain-loss
• Experience with Matlab/Simulink and C++

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.

Drug Free Workplace

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift. This worksite participates in Boeing's optional 9/80 schedule rotation. 9/80 is a rotation in which employees can work 9-hour shifts, 8 days per pay period (bi-weekly) and receive every other Friday off. This is subject to change based on business conditions.

Pay and Benefits

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Associate (Level 2) Summary pay range: $98,600 - $133,400

Experienced (Level 3) Summary pay range: $119,850 - $162,150

Lead (Level 4) Summary pay range: $146,200 - $197,800

Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 28, 2026

Export Control Requirements

• 120.62 is required. U.S. Person includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.