2026 Satellite Communication Systems and DSP Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communication Systems Engineer for the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD).

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

As part of MPD, the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) performs analysis, modeling and simulation, and laboratory activities to design and evaluate communication systems, signals, and signal processing algorithms for our customers. As a Communications Systems Engineer (Associate Member of Technical Staff - Communications Systems Engineering) within CSED, you will be solving challenging technical problems in the areas of communication, counter-communication, and related digital signal processing. Your technical expertise will help support various US Government military and national program needs as well as shape their futures!

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Solve technical problems, under supervision and guidance, on projects involving:

  • Physical layer modeling & simulation

  • Communication waveform design and performance analysis

  • Communication link budget analysis

  • Development and evaluation of program requirements, interfaces, and verification processes

  • Digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm development

  • Hardware prototyping and testing in the laboratory and in the field

• Translate vague concepts into practical, well-defined, and methodical technical plans

• Communicate technical results clearly in written reports and presentations

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Must work well in a team environment

• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related applicable technical discipline, pursuing or conferred within last 12 months.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• 0-1 year of industry work experience

• Coursework and/or academic project knowledge of communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, estimation, detection theory, waveform design, channel effects, and link performance)

• MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++ programming experience.

• Willing to travel occasionally domestically to support customer needs

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related applicable technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Active security clearance

• Coursework or fundamental knowledge of RF satellite communication systems including hardware and software, systems engineering and, RF system design requirements development, integration and test, system development, or related field

• Knowledge of machine learning theory, practices, and tools

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$90,000.00 - $140,000.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.