Space Communications Payload Systems Engineer (Senior or Principal)

El Segundo, California
Boeing

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 (Senior or Principal) to join the Payload Systems Engineering team 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.

Our teams are currently hiring for a broad range of experience levels including Senior and Principal Level Engineers.

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

• Perform system-level CONOPS development, functional analysis, RF and Optical performance analysis and decomposition

• Lead system-level integration and validation

• 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

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

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

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

• 9+ years of experience with communications systems design and analysis

Preferred (Desired) Qualifications:

• Level 5: Typically 14+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications

• Level 6: Typically 20+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications.

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

• 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 with Matlab/Simulink and C++

Additional Information:

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.

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.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) process.

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 (Senior) Level 5: $176,800 – $239,200

Summary pay range for (Principal) Level 6: $210,800 – $285,200

Applications for this position will be accepted until Apr. 11, 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 an active U.S. Secret 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.