Communications and Signal Processing Engineer

Employer description

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 Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) performs analysis, modeling and simulation of end-to-end radio and optical communication systems, and signal collection/processing techniques and solutions.  We advise our customers on technical matters and advanced technology development needs.  The work we do supports advanced concept development/prototyping, system acquisition support and anomaly resolution, primarily for specialized satellite and associated ground processing applications.  We currently have an opportunity within CSAD for radio communications and wideband receiver systems modeling and simulation, as detailed below.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA. This opportunity includes significant engagement with customers, requiring frequent visits to local customer facilities. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

Performing analysis, modeling, and simulation of radio systems and related signal processing, including channel effects and related hardware distortion effects that impact wideband communications and collection receiver performance.  Scope may include all or a portion of transmitter distortions, channel effects, receiver RF chain (antenna through analog to digital conversion), and application-specific DSP backend processing.

Performing studies and analytical trades across a broad array of communications and signal processing applications.

Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office

Contributing within CSAD, where you’ll develop your skills through a combination of independent technical assignments and collaborative team-based projects 

Demonstrating leadership and initiative to inform stakeholders of technical issues and recommended courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk reduction efforts, an on-orbit testing

Acting as the organizations designated representative at customer program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements: 

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Coursework in the areas of digital communications and signal processing using MATLAB/Python

Experience with digital filters, modulation schemes, coding, SATCOM link budget analysis, etc.

Three or more years of industry work experience

Willing to travel domestically/internationally infrequently, as needed

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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

Eight or more years of experience in radio satellite systems communications modeling and simulation

Experience building and leading teams during the advanced development, integration and testing of radio communications and/or collection systems

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

Master’s or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in Electrical Engineering

Five or more years of experience in Satellite Communications, or advanced signal processing techniques

Demonstrated expertise in RF systems design and analysis

Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and implementations

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

Knowledge of hardware imperfections and distortion effects

Active TS/SCI 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)

$110,400.00 - $193,000.00

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 StrategicallyLead 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.