Satellite Communication Mission Engineer – Senior

Overview

LMI is seeking a Mission Engineer with deep expertise in communication and network modeling to join our dynamic team focused on the space domain. In this role, you will develop, simulate, and analyze complex space infrastructure systems including satellite constellations, ground stations, orbital networks, and resilient architectures. Your work will directly inform analytical recommendations for future force design decisions and optimizing space capabilities for mission effectiveness, survivability, resiliency, and strategic superiority. This position is perfect for an analytical thinker who thrives on applying rigorous theory to real-world space challenges, using data-driven simulations to guide high-stakes decisions in defense and national security space sectors. This is an on-site role in Colorado Springs, CO.

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors—helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Lead analysis teams driving recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions for legacy and emerging customer satellite communication (SATCOM) architectures.
• Conduct high-fidelity simulations and analyses, including coverage analysis, killchain effects, beam allocation, network connectivity/graph theory, satellite resilience analysis, and annual costing of future systems using Python and simulation software.
• Contribute to technical reports, briefings, and strategic recommendations for stakeholders, including potential publication or presentation at industry conferences.
• Collaborate with software engineers, data scientists, and decision-makers to integrate models into broader analytical pipelines and decision-support systems.
• Build and maintain scalable simulation environments, ensuring models are computationally efficient and validated against empirical data.
• Inform software development for LMI’s proprietary simulation tool to achieve SDN analysis objectives.
• Mentor junior team members and help shape best practices in space-domain communications modeling.

Qualifications

Required:

• B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Operations Research, or a related field with a strong emphasis on theoretical modeling.
• At least 8 years of experience (industry, national lab, government, or advanced research settings) in space-related modeling, communication/ground architectures, data network modeling, and scheduling algorithms and operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering studies and analysis teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks, and translating customer needs into tasks for team members.
• Strong background in managing and developing complex space systems, specifically with deep expertise in SATCOM architectures as they apply to this mission area for the United States Space Force’s (USSF).
• Demonstrated ability to abstract theoretical concepts into practical models, simulations, and analytical frameworks that drive decision-making.
• Experience with one or more software languages that may include Python, C , or MATLAB.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, to include briefing SES/SL and GO/FO-level leadership.

Nice to have:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Physics, Operations Research, or a related field with a strong emphasis on theoretical modeling.
• Familiarity with force design concepts, mission analysis, or wargaming in space or multi-domain operations.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), GMAT, FreeFlyer, AFSIM, or custom-built propagators.
• Background in space domain infrastructure analysis, including constellation design, coverage modeling, or resilience assessments.

Security Clearance Requirements:

• Candidate must possess an active TS/SCI or TS with SCI eligibility clearance.

Target salary range: $115,000 - $192,000

Disclaimer: 

The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.

Salary : $115,000 - $192,000