Senior Communication Systems Prototyping 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.

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!

Our Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) within MPD specializes in the research, development, testing, and evaluation of RF and satellite communication systems for national security space programs. Through close collaboration with the United States Government, defense contractors, and other FFRDCs, we deliver impartial, technically rigorous physical-layer expertise that directly shapes solutions to the critical challenges our nation faces in maintaining space superiority.

As a mid-career engineer, you will collaborate with world-class experts within the department who have collectively earned over 60 patents in digital communications and signal processing. Together, you’ll work on the most challenging problems in space across all stages of the space lifecycle, from requirements definition through integration and flight operations. You’ll gain a balance of expert mentorship, meaningful mission work, and the flexibility to shape your career around what excites you the most!

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead small engineering teams or independently execute projects involving:

  • Physical layer modeling & simulation

  • Communication waveform design and performance analysis of advanced coding and modulation techniques

  • Digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm development

  • Communication system architecture and tradeoff analysis

  • Communication link performance analysis in the presence of noise, fading, and interference

  • Evaluation of programs of record and future programs in various technical areas including satellite communications, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic warfare (EW)

  • 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

• Anticipate customers’ needs and identify opportunities for new business

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics or related applicable technical discipline.

• Six or more years of relevant engineering experience with increasing responsibility.

• Industry experience with RF satellite communication systems (hardware and software, systems engineering, RF system design requirements development, integration and test, system development, or related field).

• Knowledge of advanced communication systems and digital signal processing concepts (e.g., modulation, coding, synchronization, estimation, detection theory, waveform design, channel effects, and link performance).

• Experience with laboratory test equipment (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers) and software defined radios.

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

• The ability to obtain a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government (U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance).

• This job typically requires 10% domestic travel. Increased travel (up to 20%) may be required to support certain customer needs.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist include:

• Ten or more years of relevant engineering experience with increasing responsibility (vs. six years for Engineering Specialist).

• Proven track record technical leadership.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• M.S. or Ph.D. in either Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university.

• Knowledge of US government programs in the areas of protected communications, navigation, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and/or electronic warfare (EW).

• Experience with modeling and simulation of anti-jam waveforms, spread spectrum, beamforming, array processing, interference mitigation, and geolocation techniques.

• Familiarity with machine learning theory, practices, and tools.

• Active TS/SCI clearance or SAP access.

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)

$129,000.00 - $249,600.00Pay 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.