Communications and RF Payload 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 Material 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.
We are looking for a Communications and RF Payload Systems Engineer to join us in DSG to serve as the primary Aerospace point of contact advising the customer on the acquisition of communications and RF payloads across the branch's full portfolio of space-based space domain awareness systems. Working within Space Systems Command's Space-Based Surveillance & Reconnaissance Branch, you will lead technical teams across the entire program life-cycle, from requirements and acquisition strategy through on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Serve as the primary Aerospace Point of Contact advising the customer, including government leadership, on the acquisition of communications and RF payloads across the branch's full portfolio of space-based space domain awareness systems
Lead technical teams, including Engineering and Technology Group subject matter experts, across the entire program life-cycle — from requirements and acquisition strategy through on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
Evaluate and verify payload and system requirements and technical specifications, assisting in the execution of program office systems engineering and acquisition processes
Quickly assess risk, schedule, and cost mission assurance trades, identifying mitigation options to enable responsive, cost-effective delivery of space capabilities
Collaborate with the program office Architecture and Integration team to develop and evaluate communication architectures for the branch
Provide subject matter expertise in communications systems and components — including receive/transmit subsystems, signal processing (converters, amplifiers, filters), and antenna subsystems
Solve technically challenging problems in communications and signals collection using modeling, simulation, prototyping, and experimental measurement techniques, while establishing and maintaining the trust and confidence of the government customer
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Communications Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering – RF:
Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution or a closely related STEM field
6 or more years of relevant RF Engineering experience
Able to translate, tailor, and present (written and orally) complex technical concepts to stakeholders of varying knowledge levels, including non-specialists
Willing to travel domestically approx. 10-15%.
This position requires a current Top Secret/SSBI/SCI clearance to interview with the ability to obtain and maintain additional security clearances, which are issues by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Communications Systems Engineering and Payload Systems Engineering – RF include:
10 or more years of experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibility
Experience with satellite communication hardware and/or digital/analog waveform processing
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Experience architecting, planning, and leading complex RF and antenna payloads
Understanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, and electromagnetic field theory
Understanding of optical communications design principles and operations, including free-space optical (FSO) links, laser terminals, and their integration with RF communication architectures
Familiarity with wireless communication links, including link budget analysis, RF cascade analysis, modulation techniques, and frequency allocations
Familiarity with spectrum management and certification process
Experience with one or more space system development program offices.
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 - $249,600.00
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.
