Senior RF Analyst
Chantilly, VA - USA
Job Summary
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!
Join an Elite Team Shaping the Future of National Security from Space
Are you ready to work on some of the most critical and technically challenging space missions in the nation Were seeking an exceptional RF Payload Engineer with mission analysis expertise to join the Electronic Intercepts and Measurements Department in our Sensing and Processing Subdivision within MPD.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out:
Youll be part of a powerhouse team of highly respected engineers and scientists who serve as trusted advisors to our nations most vital space programs. This isnt just another engineering roleyoull provide strategic matrix support directly to marquee customers including the United States Space Force National Reconnaissance Office and leading Civil and Commercial space organizations.
The Technical Playground:
Tackle intellectually stimulating problems that span the full spectrum of RF payload engineering:
Advanced antenna systems design
End-to-end transmit and receive chain optimization
Sophisticated mission modeling and analysis
Cutting-edge electronic warfare applications
Maritime surveillance systems
Signal processing innovation
Algorithm development for signal products and exploitation
Your Impact:
Leverage your engineering judgment deep knowledge of current technology and understanding of national systems to influence critical decisions on RF payload design and performance for programs of national importance. Youll work at the intersection of theory and real-world application where your expertise directly contributes to national security and space superiority.
The Environment:
Collaborate with a diverse multidisciplinary team where innovation thrives and technical excellence is the standard. This is your chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field on challenges that truly matter.
The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility Chantilly VA
What Youll Be Doing
Drive Critical Mission Success Apply your deep expertise in RF payload design performance analysis and mission modeling to solve complex challenges in signal propagation SIGINT system performance and requirements development for high-stakes national security programs.
Innovate at the Hardware-Software Interface Design breakthrough solutions by developing efficient hardware implementations through advanced digital modeling and creating sophisticated signal processing algorithms that push the boundaries of whats possible.
Lead from Discovery to Delivery Transform customer needs into actionable analysis plans lead cross-functional analysis efforts and guide stakeholders from concept through execution with confidence and technical authority.
Shape the Future of Space Systems Serve as a trusted technical advisor during requirements development leveraging your expertise to influence program direction and ensure mission success from day one.
Own the Full Lifecycle Shepherd payload designs from initial program requirements through operational deployment and end-of-life ensuring technical excellence at every phase.
Elevate the Next Generation Mentor junior engineers and scientists sharing your knowledge to build the departments collective capabilities and foster a culture of technical excellence.
What You Need to be Successful Senior Engineering Specialist
Minimum Requirements:
Seasoned Expertise 12 years of hands-on experience in RF engineering and mission analysis including relevant postgraduate research and development work
Advanced Technical Foundation Masters or Ph.D. from an accredited institution in mathematics physics electrical engineering or a related technical discipline that fuels innovation
Coding Versatility Proficiency in two or more of the essential tools of the trade: MATLAB C/C and Pythonwith the ability to choose the right tool for each challenge
Real-World SIGINT Experience Proven track record in RF payload design for SIGINT systems conducting sophisticated trade studies and performing mission analysis including geolocation techniques
Agility in Action Demonstrated ability to pivot and adapt as mission priorities evolve thriving in a dynamic fast-paced environment where flexibility is key
Collaborative Leadership Strong interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate across diverse teams build consensus and partner effectively with internal groups and external stakeholders
Mission-Ready Access Active Top Secret clearance with SCI access enabling you to engage with the nations most sensitive programs from day one
Willingness to Engage Availability for occasional domestic travel to support customer engagements and program activities
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Deep SIGINT Domain Mastery Specialized technical knowledge of satellite-based SIGINT systems architectures and operational concepts that sets you apart as a subject matter expert
High-Performance Computing Prowess Experience with advanced parallel programming frameworks (Spark CUDA MPI or similar) that enable breakthrough performance in large-scale signal processing and analysis
Vision for Tomorrows Missions Familiarity with emerging SIGINT architectures and next-generation space vehicles bringing forward-looking insights that help shape the future of national intelligence capabilities
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)
$166400.00 - $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:
- 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 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
About Company
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.