RF and Antenna Engineer – Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist

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!​ 

The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department, a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub-division, excels in managing the full communications chain—from RF signals to digital bits. Our expertise encompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. We leverage this 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 seeking an RF and Antenna Engineer to join our team in supporting mission-critical programs that play a key role in shaping the future of space architecture. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with top technical experts in the field while applying your expertise to help guide the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community as they navigate and advance the rapidly evolving space sector.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in​​ Chantilly, VA. ​ 

​​What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide subject matter expertise in antennas and antenna systems and/or RF components and systems using a mix of modeling/simulation, prototyping, and experimental measurements

• Solve technically challenging problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and remote sensing
• Independently conduct technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and author report findings
• Provide ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors. Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and/or opportunities and provide recommended courses of action
• Lead cross-organizational teams, organize interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices.
• Act as organization's 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 bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience
• Strong understanding of RF design principles, signal propagation, and electromagnetic field theory
• Familiarity with wireless communication links, including link budget analysis, RF cascade 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 and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this level of security clearance.

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

• Minimum of twelve years of experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibility
• Experience architecting, planning, and leading complex RF and antenna projects including mentoring 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 another related discipline with a focus on Electromagnetics, Communication Theory, Digital Signal Processing, or another related field
• Experience in 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
• Previous experience 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 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)

$144,500.00 - $264,600.00Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.