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!

Within MPD, the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) drives three interconnected lines of work:

• Trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize communications performance across satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems
• RF communications prototyping, with a strong focus on commercial LEO (pLEO) and MEO satellite systems
• Spectrum policy and regulation development, ensuring critical wireless systems maintain access to the spectrum resources they need

We guide Department of War, intelligence community, and civil/commercial customers on some of the nation's most critical missions — and we're looking for a technical leader to help shape that future.

The Senior Engineering Specialist – Communications Systems Engineering designs, develops, models, simulates, tests, and analyzes communications systems, subsystems, and electronic signals for communication networks, data links, digital radio, battle management, and command and control (C2) systems. Examples include wide and local area networks, point-to-point systems, and secure systems. This role applies deep knowledge of communications systems (e.g., modulation schema, signal coding), digital and wireless radio/communications technology, and network architecture design — spanning terrestrial networks to next-generation satellite constellations.

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 long-range technical studies on space-based communication systems—including commercial pLEO and MEO constellations, next-generation cellular, hybrid military and commercial systems as well as secure military networks
• Proactively identify emerging SATCOM technical problems and deliver novel solutions
• Lead the development and demonstration of working prototypes using novel hardware and emerging commercial systems to showcase capability improvements
• Advise management, government customers, and contractors on technical direction and emerging risks
• Represent CAD and Aerospace at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
• Lead cross-organizational teams and coordinate large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines
• Mentor less experienced staff and serve as a technical role model
• Document work in briefings and technical reports, with opportunities to lead internal R&D projects, conduct field work, and publish for conferences and journals

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a strong communications engineering background
• Ten or more years of related experience in communications systems engineering
• Experience acting as a senior technical authority, principal investigator, or team lead on complex technical efforts
• Experience coordinating large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines
• Track record of mentoring less experienced engineers and serving as a role model
• Working knowledge of communication systems principles, signal processing techniques
• High level of innovation, creativity, and initiative
• Willingness to travel occasionally (~5%) to customer sites or other work locations
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• PhD in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 12+ years of increasingly responsible communications systems engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance

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)

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.