System Performance & Modelling Engineer

Open Cosmos Ltd
Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom
3 weeks ago
Job Type
Permanent
Work Pattern
Full-time
Work Location
On-site
Seniority
Mid
Education
Degree
Posted
6 May 2026 (3 weeks ago)

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

The Satcom team is responsible for the design, delivery and performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communications services, spanning the space segment, ground infrastructure and global connectivity.

We’re now looking for a System Performance & Modelling Engineer to develop the high-fidelity simulation environments that shape and validate the performance of our LEO satellite communication systems, providing the insight needed to optimise capacity, reliability, and service delivery across the constellation.

What will you be doing?

You will be:

  • Developing end-to-end simulation frameworks covering link performance, constellation coverage, and network behaviour

  • Building high-fidelity models to evaluate system capacity, latency, throughput, reliability, and service continuity

  • Modelling the interaction between orbital dynamics, air interface behaviour, payload performance, and network architecture

  • Supporting stochastic performance analysis for latency, jitter, packet loss, and multi-hop communication scenarios

  • Mapping dynamic user demand against available satellite and network resources to identify optimisation opportunities

  • Supporting system-level link budget analysis including propagation effects, power allocation, and noise cascades

  • Tracking and validating system performance margins including rain fade, interference, attenuation, and hardware ageing

  • Performing trade studies to evaluate architectural decisions, resource allocation strategies, and processing approaches

  • Supporting the development and evaluation of dynamic resource management and orchestration strategies

  • Providing analytical input into operational concepts, resilience planning, and service optimisation activities

  • Collaborating closely with payload, network, spectrum, and air interface teams to align modelling assumptions and performance targets

What You’ll bring

  • Strong understanding of system-level modelling within satellite or advanced wireless communication systems

  • Capability to develop and maintain end-to-end simulation environments for complex communication networks

  • Proficiency in modelling and scripting using MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C++, or similar tools

  • Knowledge of link budget analysis including modulation, coding, propagation effects, and noise/power cascades

  • Understanding of network performance metrics including latency, jitter, throughput, and packet loss

  • Familiarity with stochastic modelling techniques and performance analysis under varying operational conditions

  • Knowledge of dynamic resource management, scheduling, and optimisation strategies

  • Understanding of radiometric analysis including slant range attenuation and Power Flux Density (PFD) considerations

  • Awareness of orbital dynamics and their impact on communication system performance

  • Familiarity with modelling and simulation tools such as STK, Visualyse, or similar platforms

  • A highly analytical and data-driven mindset with strong attention to detail and system-level thinking

This role will be based in any of our locations.

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

When applying, please submit your CV in English.

Why Open Cosmos?

  • Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe

  • A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges

  • A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team

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