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

Posted 8 Hours Ago
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El Segundo, CA, USA
In-Office
120K-239K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
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The Role
Designs and develops RF, digital, and optical satellite communication systems and payload architectures. Responsibilities include requirements definition and verification, trade studies, CONOPS, RF and optical performance analysis, simulations, algorithm development, supplier oversight, design reviews, system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and validation across satellite program lifecycles.
Summary Generated by Built In
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 ( Experienced, Lead, or Senior) - (Level 3, 4, or 5) 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

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 5 years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 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):
  • Lead, Level 4: 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Senior, Level 5: 14+ 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++

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidate for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Typical Education/Experience:
Experienced, Level 3: Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 5 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.
Lead, Level 4: Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 9 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.
Senior, Level 5: Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 14 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience (e.g. PhD+9 years' related work experience, Master+12 years' related work experience). In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.
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.
Total Rewards:
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.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range for Experienced (Level 3): $119,850 - $162,150
Summary pay range for Lead (Level 4): $146,200 - $197,800
Summary pay range for Senior (Level 5): $176,800 - $239,200
Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 28, 2026
Export Control Requirements:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §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
Relocation
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
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.
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.

Skills Required

  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required, with interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance required after starting
  • Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or a directly related field
  • At least 5 years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience or academic background with communications subsystems or units
  • Experience or academic background with payload design, analysis, development, and/or verification
  • 9 or more years of related work experience for Lead Level 4
  • 14 or more years of related work experience for Senior Level 5
  • 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, and gain-loss
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and C++

What the Team is Saying

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Boeing Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are often highlighted as a standout, featuring a notably generous company match with immediate vesting and options that can credit qualified student‑loan payments toward matching. External recognition and contract enhancements further underscore the strength of this area.
  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and mental‑health resources, with virtual care and HSA options in some plans. Descriptions also point to affordability features and access to specialized support programs.
  • Parental & Family Support — Family supports include paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, fertility benefits, and backup child and elder care resources. Coaching and related programs are available to help navigate family transitions.

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The Company
HQ: Arlington, VA
170,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1916

What We Do

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Why Work With Us

Aerospace protects and connects people, enables economic growth and trade, provides humanitarian relief and allows for human exploration of space. Boeing collaborates globally to support responsible growth for our industry, and we invest in innovation that improves the efficiency and sustainability of air travel and our operations.

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