The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll 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 countrys 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!
The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub-division excels in managing the full communications chainfrom RF signals to digital bits. Ourexpertiseencompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. Weleveragethis deep knowledge to develop satellite payloads advanced signal collection methods new modulation schemes testbed environments and innovative approaches to antenna design characterization and measurement.
We are looking for an RF and Antenna Engineer to join our team and support critical programs that are vital to the success oftodaysand tomorrows space architectures. This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts whileprovidingstrategic guidance to both the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community as they shape the future of the rapidly evolving space sector.
Work Model:The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facilityin Chantilly VA.
What Youll Be Doing
Provide subject matterexpertiseinantennas and antenna systemsand/orRF components and systems using a mix of modeling/simulation and experimental measurements
Solvetechnically challengingproblems in the areas of communications signals collection and remote sensing
Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations andauthorreport findings
Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management customers and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and/or opportunitiesand providerecommendedcourses of action
Lead cross-organizational teamsorganize interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices. May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources.
Acts as organizations designated representative at technical meetings presentations and symposia
Willingness to travel up to 10% of time
What You Need to be Successful Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements:
A bachelors degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field
Minimum of eight years ofrelevant experience
Strongunderstanding of RF design principles signal propagation and electromagnetic field theory
Familiarity withwirelesscommunication links including link budget analysis modulation techniques and frequency allocations
Practical skills in the use of standard measurement equipment like Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) spectrum analyzers and power meters
Strong technical writing skills for preparing documentation design reports and presenting findings to cross-functional teams
This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintaina TS/SCI security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government.U.S. citizenship isto obtain this level of security clearance.
In addition to the above the minimum requirements forSenior EngineeringSpecialist:
Minimum of twelve years of experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibility
Experience architecting planning and leading complex RF and antennaprojects includingmentoring of junior staff
Able to translate tailor and present (written and orally) complex technical concepts to stakeholders of varying knowledge levels including non-specialists
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced technical degree MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or anotherrelated discipline with a focus on Electromagnetics Communication Theory Digital Signal Processing or another related field
Experience in the modeling design fabrication and test of various antenna types (e.g. horn patch phased array)
Experience with electromagnetic and RF simulation software tools such as Ansys HFSS CST Microwave Studio GRASP Keysight ADS Microwave Office or similar tools
Comfortable in common and relevant programming languages (e.g. MATLAB Python) for data analysis scripting or building custom analysis tools
Previousexperience in the use of anechoic chambers for RF and antenna measurements
Current Top Secret security clearance with SCI access
We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)
$129000.00 - $249600.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership 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:
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 otherthe 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 equalopportunity 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Aerospace operates the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering.