Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer (Lead or Senior)

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 Mission Systems (SMS) Division , seeks a Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer (Lead or Senior) to join the Laser Communications Subsystem Team located in El Segundo, CA .

The Space Intelligence & Weapon Systems Team creates the next-generation products and services for the BDS business unit.  We work with commercial, government, and proprietary customers in the development of the next-generation technologies in space. Our team focuses on rapid prototyping to demonstrate a host of mission-focused technologies for a variety of customers. Our group works all facets of engineering from technology investment, concept development, proposal writing, requirement development, design, build, integration, test, and demonstration of products in their relevant environments.

The Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer will be a part of a high-performing team that is immersed in high intensity 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 project 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.

Primary Responsibilities :

Lead the design and development of next generation RF, digital, and / or optical satellite communications systems and payload architectures

Lead trade studies and generate proposals

Partner with customers on system of systems solutions

Lead the definition and verification of space communication system requirements and interfaces, with a strong emphasis on unit-level and subsystem-level requirements development

Develop and maintain comprehensive systems engineering documentation to support unit-level requirements and ensure alignment with overall system objectives.

Perform system-level CONOPS development, functional analysis, RF and Optical performance analysis and decomposition, particularly focusing on digital communication systems

Oversee integration and validation of responsible units and subsystems during system-level integration and validation phases

Lead the analyses and simulations effort 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

Oversees the design and build of multiple satellite and avionics units from internal teams and external suppliers that meet defined requirements and interfaces

Ensures satellite units follow proper test, validation and qualification processes for space applications.

Perform hardware procurement, design reviews, and unit sell-off

Perform system test preparation, execution, troubleshooting, and verification

Support stakeholder needs through analysis, technical performance measures (TPM) definition, requirements analysis, and allocation & definition for subcontractors, utilizing Cameo, JIRA and Confluence

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret and SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills / Experience) :

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science

5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications.

5+ years of Systems Engineering on aerospace platforms or similar highly regulated products

5+ years of systems engineering experience involving system requirements, functional decomposition and allocation, integrated design, analysis, and verification

5+ years of experience with communications systems design and analysis.

Preferred (Desired) Qualifications :

10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications

Experience with Lasercom Communications design, test, and deployment in Space applications, including any of the following :

Free space optical communications SE (experience in specifying, modeling and analyzing coherent and direct detection lasercom and pointing, acquisition and tracking (PAT) links)

Line of sight stabilization and control SE (with experience in modeling and analyzing PAT for laser communication links and PAT receiver analysis / modeling)

Optical SE (optical engineering with experience in specifying modeling and analyses of complex optical systems ideally for lasercom applications)

Electro-optics SE (EO engineering with experience in specifying, analyzing and modeling optical amplifiers, photonic integrated circuits, modulators)

Digital SE (Experience in digital networking and forward error correction in fading channel requirements)

Experience with digital communications

Experience working on satellite or space-based payloads

Experience with satellite or terrestrial communications systems and antenna theory

Experience working across multiple disciplines in a rapid development environment

Experience in customer requirements development, system requirements, and CONOPs development

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 .

Pay & 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.

Summary pay range for Lead : $138,550– $187,450

Summary pay range for Senior : $165,750– $224,250

Applications for this position will be accepted until Dec. 10, 2025

Export Control Requirements : This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details : US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Security Clearance

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret / SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift

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.