Optical Communications Systems Engineer – Satellite Networks

Location: Southern California | Los Angeles
Sector: Aerospace / Defense / Optical Communications
️ Clearance: Active Top Secret preferred (Tier 5 or equivalent)

A leading U.S. defense and aerospace prime is expanding its engineering group dedicated to building space-based communications systems that define the edge of what’s possible. This division develops and delivers full-lifecycle satellite communication networks, with missions ranging from national security to advanced hybrid optical-RF constellations.

They are now hiring an Optical Communications Systems Engineer to join a highly collaborative, systems-level team responsible for architecture, integration, and performance across space payloads. This is a hands-on technical role, ideal for experienced engineers who thrive on building real systems – not just writing studies.

What You’ll Do

• Develop end-to-end optical and hybrid communications architectures for LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations

• Translate mission-level needs into high-level system requirements and payload specifications

• Lead and support system-level integration, from CONOPS and propagation modeling to unit testing and validation

• Collaborate with hardware and software teams, as well as external payload and platform providers

• Conduct trade studies, simulations, and performance analyses (link budget, throughput, distortion, SNR, etc.)

• Guide the design, build, test and delivery of advanced comms payloads – from proposals to on-orbit validation

• Develop and apply MATLAB and simulation tools for signal performance and system optimization

• Work across government, classified, and commercial satellite programs depending on clearance

What You Bring

• Systems engineering background across satellite communication systems

• Experience in optical, digital, or hybrid (RF/optical) payloads and network architectures

• Deep understanding of signal propagation, link analysis, system integration and verification

• Background in digital communications, modulation theory, or related waveform engineering

• Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++ for modeling and simulation

• Familiarity with payload development and testing processes in aerospace or defense

• A strong collaborative mindset – able to engage across domains and technical disciplines

• A clearance (Secret or TS/SCI) is a major advantage – especially with recent Tier 5 or equivalent

Why Join?

• Work on mission-critical systems already launching, flying, and delivering real capability

• Contribute to next-gen mesh networks, OISLs, and space-based transport layers

• Part of a growing, well-funded team with access to national-level space programs

• Full lifecycle programs – build the real thing, not just the paper

• Located in Southern California’s premier aerospace hub

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade