Sr. Communication Systems 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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

Join the Special Programs Division of Aerospace's Defense Systems Group to shape the future of US space dominance.

Working within the US Space Force (USSF) Space Combat Power Program Executive Office (SCP PEO), the Sr. Communication Systems Engineer will provide upstream technical leadership on high-stakes national security programs. Translate warfighter needs into reality and ensure our next-gen communication, electromagnetic warfare, and cyber systems prevail in contested space environments.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA, co-located with the USSF Space Systems Command.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the Technical Baseline: Be the go-to technical authority on a US Space Force system and its RF chains, advanced signal processing, and link budgets. Directly guide the USSF in defining and acquiring next-generation mission capabilities.
• Drive National Impact: Lead high-stakes evaluations of vendor proposals. Provide insight into and influence over contractor execution of a program. Ensure performance of a system from its initial architecture to its final sell-off and operations.
• Bridge the Enterprise: Partner with acquisition, intelligence, and operational communities to ensure seamless integration of a system within a coordinated enterprise of other space and ground systems.
• Mitigate Risk & Innovate: Inform critical decisions, conduct independent risk assessments, and develop strategic plans to overcome complex technical, cost, and scheduling hurdles.
• Leverage World-Class Labs: Collaborate with specialists from Aerospace’s Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) and leverage elite laboratory capabilities to solve the nation's most difficult technical challenges.
• Technical Authority & Mentorship: Influence senior leadership and mission partners through expert-level reports and briefings. Actively mentor and develop the next generation of space engineers.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Communication Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a closely related technical field.
• 12 or more years of engineering experience with demonstrated expertise in RF systems, signal processing, or satellite communications for government or defense programs.
• Ability to travel up to 15% to collaborate with stakeholders and mission partners.
• This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance and the ability to be granted and maintain accesses to Special Access Programs (US citizenship required).

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Current or previous accesses to Special Access Programs.
• An advanced degree in a relevant technical, engineering, or scientific discipline.
• Deep subject matter expertise in DoD acquisitions, SATCOM, electromagnetic warfare, cyber operations, or Space Systems Command specifications.

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)

$166,400.00 - $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.