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Communications Systems Engineer

El Segundo, California, United States

For more than 50 years, ENSCO has been providing leading-edge engineering, science and advanced technology solutions to governments and private industries worldwide.

ENSCO prides itself in creating and applying advanced technologies for mission success. We provide systems engineering, integration, and advanced technology services to transform the future safety, security, and resiliency of critical missions on the ground, in the air, in space, and in the information systems that connect these domains.

Learn more about ENSCO.

Position Description

ENSCO Inc is a diverse engineering and technology company that provides engineering, science and advanced technology solutions that guarantee mission success, safety, and security to governments and private industries worldwide. 
 
We are seeking an experienced Communications Systems Engineer with a strong background in RF systems for satellite, ground terminal, and military user equipment applications. The candidate will have expertise in conducting detailed link budget analyses, developing complex communication scenarios, and working with both MILSATCOM and COMSATCOM systems. The candidate will play a crucial role in the full lifecycle of communication system development, from requirements definition and technical analysis through design, modeling, validation, and integration. This includes a special focus on the integration and interoperability of military user terminals to ensure robust and reliable performance for mission-critical applications.
 
The candidate will join the Systems Engineering team defining the next generation of space communication systems supporting Space Force Military Satellite Communications and will support Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) activities in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment. The candidate will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and members of the USSF to provide acquisition management development and support.
 
The MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) effort provides leading edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) for the Air Force’s Space and Missiles System Center. We support the Air Force’s acquisition of state of the art Military Satellite Communications systems, providing global secure, survivable, and protected communications for our nation’s warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems. This position is on-site at El Segundo, CA. Some of the job responsibilities include but are not limited to: 
 
- Elicit, analyze, define, and manage technical requirements for satellite communication systems and ground terminals, translating high-level operational needs into detailed, verifiable system specifications. This includes a deep understanding of warfighter needs related to user equipment.
- Conduct comprehensive technical analyses and trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess performance feasibility, and make data-driven recommendations for optimal system solutions, considering constraints imposed by military user terminals.
- Design and analyze end-to-end RF communication systems, including satellite payloads and ground terminals, to meet mission requirements, with a focus on seamless integration with military user equipment to existing SATCOM solutions.
- Develop and maintain detailed link budgets for satellite communication links, performing margin assessments and optimizing system performance based on modulation schemes, coding, and environmental factors, with specific consideration for user equipment performance.
- Create and simulate realistic communication scenarios to evaluate system performance under various conditions, including signal impairments, interference, and atmospheric effects, particularly as they impact deployed user terminals.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of military and commercial SATCOM systems, including specific constellations (e.g., WGS, AEHF, MUOS) and standards, to develop and integrate solutions, particularly with respect to the user terminal segment.
- Analyze and evaluate the performance of various military user terminals (airborne, ground, maritime), ensuring interoperability and compatibility within the overall communication architecture.
- Support the integration, verification, and validation of communication equipment and software. Develop and execute test plans for lab and field evaluations of ground and space components, including specific tests for military user equipment over satellite systems.
- Provide technical expertise on ground terminal architecture and design, including antennas, RF front-ends, modems, and data processing, ensuring compatibility with the military user terminal ecosystem.
- Participate in the definition of system architectures and interfaces, ensuring modularity, scalability, and compatibility across system components, from the space layer to the tactical user.
- Investigate and resolve system anomalies, performance discrepancies, and technical issues throughout the system lifecycle, often involving user equipment in deployed scenarios.
- Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system specifications, test procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), and analysis reports.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including hardware and software engineers, mission planners, and military end-users, to deliver integrated system solutions. 

Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
- 12+ years of experience in communications systems engineering, with a focus on RF satellite communication systems
- Strong understanding of RF principles, antenna systems, digital signal processing (DSP), and modulation/demodulation techniques
- Proven experience with the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements definition, decomposition, verification, and validation
- Demonstrated ability to perform complex technical analysis, trade studies, and generate data-driven recommendations
- Proficiency with link budget and RF simulation and modeling tools, such as STK (Systems Tool Kit), MATLAB, or custom scripts
- Experience with both MILSATCOM and COMSATCOM systems, protocols, and architectures (LEO, MEO, GEO)
- ABILITY TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A DOD SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE, FOR WHICH YOU MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN

Qualifications Desired:
- Direct experience with military user terminals and ground equipment (e.g., AN/PRC, AN/MRC series, SATCOM On-The-Move systems)
- Familiarity with the certification processes (e.g., Joint Interoperability Test Command – JITC, MIL-STD-188-164C, MIL-STD-188-165B) for military terminals
- Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small teams on complex communications projects
- Experience with programming/scripting languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB for data analysis and test automation
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators
- Familiarity with secure and classified communication systems, cryptographic equipment, and Information Assurance (IA) requirements
- Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies
 - Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance
 

Work Location Type: On-Site
Required Certifications: None
U.S. Citizenship Required: Yes
Security Clearance Required: Ability to obtain and maintain 
Employment Type: Regular Full-time
Background Check Type:  7 Year Pre-Employment
Drug Screen Required: None
Position Contingent Upon Contract Award: No

Salary Range

$149,000 - $186,000 USD

 

REAL ID Requirement

This position may require the ability to access to U.S. federal facilities. In accordance with the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement of the REAL ID Act, as of May 7, 2025, individuals must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or an acceptable alternative to gain entry. For a list of acceptable forms of identification, please click here.

Benefits

At ENSCO, a positive working environment and a competitive salary are only part of the reason for choosing a career here. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that creates a stimulating and supportive environment where you can thrive - visit ensco.com/careers/benefits to learn more.

Export Control and Licensing

This position may involve access to technology or technical data that is controlled under U.S. export control laws and regulations and the release of which to a non US person may require an export license from the U.S. Government.

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EEO Statement

ENSCO, Inc. and its wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers– veterans, disability

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