Payload Transmitter/Receiver Engineer (Sr. MTS/Eng. Spec.))

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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications. 

As a Payload Transmitter/Receiver Engineer (Sr MTS or Engineering Specialist), you will support the development of national security wideband communication systems hardware through testing, measurements, and applications of communication systems theory.  You will build and operate wideband communications transmitters across the microwave and millimeter-wave spectrum, incorporating frequency converters and high power amplifiers (HPAs) - TWTAs or SSPAs as appropriate. You will use arbitrary waveform generators to create the transmitter input signal, and digital oscilloscopes to process the transmitter output.

We offer more project flexibility and personal responsibility, as well as more impact on our national space programs than the usual engineering company.  Our academic-like collegial atmosphere encourages collaboration with and continued learning from our engineers who are leaders in their fields of expertise. We're also ready to learn from you.

Work Model: This role will require on-site support in El Segundo, but have the flexibility to support in a hybrid work model (20% telecommuting) depending on customer needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Operate wideband communications channel test beds to support development of communication systems.
• Apply advanced microwave measurement techniques to SSPAs, TWTAs and frequency converters.
• Provide technical insight to internal and external customers regarding communication system design and performance.
• Solve microwave hardware anomalies using analytical methods and laboratory measurements.
• Collaborate onsite with other engineers and technicians.

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

Minimum Requirements :

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics (Electromagnetics or Plasma) or related discipline
• Four or more years of relevant experience in communication or radar systems
• Knowledge and/or experience in several of the following engineering areas
  • Transmitter/Receiver hardware design AND/OR performance measurements
  • Manual and software-based operation of network analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators and other instrumentation
  • Understanding of how distortion in a communications channel affects signal quality and system performance (EVM)
• Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts.
• Ability to engage others and influence technical decisions.
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

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

• Seven or more years of relevant experience in communication or radar systems
• Technical team leadership

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience operating TWTAs or other high-power microwave amplifiers
• Measurement or analysis experience with assessing the effect of nonlinearity in communications systems
• Communication Systems Engineering
• Current TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with Python or other software for instrument control

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 - $193,500

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 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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.