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 Communications Engineer to join the Communication Payload, Command, & Telemetry Department (CPCTD), a nation-wide team of experts shaping the future of communication and navigation payloads. The Communication Payload, Command & Telemetry Department provides technical leadership and “cradle-to-grave" systems engineering expertise in communications and navigation payloads and their associated ground systems, 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.

The right candidate is interested in executing studies to solve new technical problems and providing novel technical solutions; delivering technical feedback to management, customers, and contractor; and actively identifying technical problems and recommending courses of action. This position may have the opportunity to manage projects, lead cross-organizational teams, and drive new business and customer engagement.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide expertise for rapid conceptual design and advanced architecture studies which includes: 

  • Communication link budget trades

  • Dynamic link modeling & simulation

  • Detailed system hardware architecture trades, balancing insertion of advanced technology with appropriate risk

  • Collaborating in multi-discipline team environments across the space vehicle subsystems

  • Documenting trade study results to provide insight to senior decision makers   

  • Concepts of operations & constellation orbital flight concepts

• Conduct independent assessment and analysis of contractor designs throughout the acquisition process, including during source selections, design reviews, and requirements verification

• Support all phases of Ground and Space communication development lifecycle, from requirements definition; assembly, integration & test; anomaly resolution; and spacecraft launch and on-orbit support

• Provide timely and nuanced risk assessments to ensure mission critical needs and schedules are met

• Deliver impactful written and verbal technical reports to program office, management, and technical conferences.

• Develop analysis and modeling tools to assess subsystem, satellite, and system level performance

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a STEM discipline

• Minimum 6 years of experience in communications and/or telemetry & command (T&C) system engineering or related fields

• Demonstrated expertise in satellite communication, radar and/or position navigation and timing

• Experience in developing or implementing communications architectures

• Satellite assembly, test, and integration experience

• Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats/audiences

• Proven interest in continuous learning and the ability to handle uncertainty

• Willingness to travel domestically approx. 10 – 15%

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. 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:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in electrical engineering or closely related discipline

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

• Digital signal processing implementation and integration

• Experience with digital/RF communications hardware and lab equipment

• Technical experience in the following digital/RF communication/T&C subsystem areas:

  • Translating system requirements to subsystem architecture and unit design

  • Trade analysis and requirements definition

  • Subsystem and/or unit level design, assembly, integration and test

  • Anomaly and failure analysis management and resolution

• Active TS/SCI/Q 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)

$129,000 - $193,500Pay 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.