Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer 4

Chipton-Ross is seeking a Digital Communications Space Systems Engineer (Level 4) for a contract opportunity in El Segundo, CA

• 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..

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. Duties may include (but are not limited to):

• 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.

• Experience developing custom FPGA IP, working with High-Level Synthesis (HLS), or interfacing with custom hardware peripherals.
• Experience with high-speed serial protocols and network communications (10GbE, PCIe, Aurora, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553).
• Experience building real-time data streaming and command-and-control (C2) visualization tools for space or aerospace test systems.
• Familiarity with CI/CD build pipelines, automated testing, and containerized workflows (Docker) for embedded targets.
• Demonstrated technical leadership during complex hardware/software integration campaigns.

Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline (e.g. Bachelor's and 9 or more years' experience, Master's with 7 or more years' experience or PhD with 4 or more years' experience). In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

Domestic travel, less than 10%.

Applicants responding to this position will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements by currently possessing the ability to view classified government information.

• Applicants responding to this position will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements by currently possessing the ability to view classified government information.
• Employment will be contingent on clearing a drug screen and background check. Both must clear prior to start date.
• Candidates responding to this posting must currently possess the eligibility to work in the United States. No third parties please.