Space & Ground Communications 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.

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!

We are seeking a Communication Systems Engineering Specialist to support the Communication Payload, Command, & Telemetry Department (CPCTD), a nation-wide team of experts shaping the future of communication and navigation payloads. CPCTD provides “cradle-to-grave" communications and navigation payload systems engineering support, including rapid concept design studies, requirements and CONOPs development; integration and test support; performance assessment and requirements verification; and on-orbit satellite support. Reliable and affordable high-performance communications systems are fundamental to the success of both current and next-generation space architectures, and CPCTD plays an essential role in helping make those systems a reality.

This role will provide an opportunity to collaborate with other technical subject matter experts and provide expertise and guidance to the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community helping to shape the rapidly evolving space enterprise. 

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform independent analyses to support requirement development, request for proposal (RFP), and source selection activities

• Develop next generation RF, digital, and/or optical satellite communication subsystem requirements and interface definitions

• Support communication subsystem design reviews, integration & test phases, anomaly resolution, spacecraft launch, and in-orbit check-out

• Author link budgets to support and optimize quick-turnaround conceptual design and advanced architecture studies and requirements definitions

• Provide timely written and verbal technical assessment reports to program offices and line management

• Develop analysis and modeling tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms to assess subsystem, satellite, and system level performance

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree from an accredited university in STEM-related field

• Minimum 5 years related experience in communication and/or telemetry & command (T&C) system engineering supporting SSC and/or NRO program

• Broad modeling and coding experience in multiple environments (e.g. MATLAB, Python, HFSS, etc.)

• Fundamental knowledge of satellite communication, radar and/or position navigation and timing

• Possess high learning capacity with ability to rapidly grasp new concepts and adapt

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• 10 – 15% domestic travel as needed

• Current TS clearance with SCI access

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

• Minimum 8 years related experience in communication and/or telemetry & command (T&C) system engineering supporting SSC and/or NRO program

  • Trade analysis and requirements definition

  • Satellite subsystem and/or unit level design, assembly, integration and test

  • Anomaly and failure analysis management and resolution

  • Space communication security (COMSEC) and transmission security (TRANSEC) methods and hardware

  • Digital/RF communications hardware and lab equipment

• Ability to translate upper-level system requirements to subsystem architecture and unit design

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in electrical engineering, related engineering or physics discipline with in emphasize in wireless communications and RF

• Active SAP security clearance

• SSC or NRO Program Office experience

• Space systems acquisition experience

• Knowledge in developing or implementing communications architectures including satellite Tracking, Telemetry & Command

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)

$110,400.00 - $193,500.00

Pay 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.